New here - be gentle!

[haff]

Hi Everybody,

Thought it was time to join the group, I was diagnosed with CLL 12 months ago, its been a massive shock to the system but hey ho there are a lot more people worse off than me, currently on w&w and hoping it stays that way for some time, find it hard to talk to people about it, so far only my brilliant wife knows about my condition, no family or friends, just her and now you guys and girls I look forward to hearing and sharing your stories, advice and any other general chit chat!

[G1llHa1n]

Welcome to this group nobody wanted to need/join but they are a friendly, informative and supportive group now that you are here. No question is too silly - and we have all been there.

Probably best to start with the Related Posts and Pinned Posts before tackling others but if you have a hot question - jump in.

Lots of discussion around Covid 19 at the moment - you won't be surprised to hear.

Take good care of you and yours - See you around.

[PlanetaryKim]

Hi Haff. Welcome!

[Kokobean]

Welcome! I am the wife to a husband diagnosed 5 years ago so I can relate to your wife in this situation. This site was a lifesaver for us so I’m glad you found us.

[nanasu]

Welcome haff. I`m on watch and wait too, diagnosed in 2011.

I`ve only told 2 people in my circle about my diagnosis....not my parents as they are elderly and have their own problems.

Have to tell dentist etc......but they are the professionals and need to know.

[GMa27]

Welcome!

I was on W&W 12 years.

After awhile you just go on and hopefully just forget about it till your check ups. Especially if you feel fine. I would never know I had anything wrong.

Stress will take you down.

Get second opinion if treatment ever mentioned. CLL expert is best. 💕

[Jacksc06]

Hi. Welcome to the family. Any questions, concerns ask away. We are here to support you. Stay well.

[Sepsur]

Hi Haff

[lexie]

Diagnosed in 2015 and still have not shared this with 99% of the people I know and interact with regularly. Now with the coronavirus threat my CLL based obsession with personal distance and germ avoidance don't seem so glaringly antisocial, heh. Welcome to this highly informed group. I learn stuff here everyday!

[clladytime in reply to lexie]

Glad to know there are others who don't feel the need to tell everyone about their CLL diagnosis. I only told my immediate family and a few friends. The other family members and some acquaintances have not been made aware of my situation. I'm lucky that I don't look or act sick so they would not suspect. Hope it stays that way for a long time!

[4Glory]

Hi haff, nice to meet you ! Happy to hear you're in w&w. I'm in w&w too for a little over 3 years. I really enjoy the articles, advice, humor on this group! Hope you enjoy!

~Lisa

[Hidden]

Hi, Haff, I was diagnosed just over a year ago and started treatment on Imbruvica in early June. I'm TP 53 so chemo not effective for me. I live in Spain and have had excellent care and treatment. Pretty soon I got used to the changes in my life and now I just get on with it. We are now on lockdown here and that's far worse than the last year has been ,as I'm a pretty social person. Good luck on your journey.

[stucie12]

Have been on W & W now for 20 years and with the exception of my catching colds easier than most folk and taking longer to have the symptoms go away I would not know I had CLL.

My WBC has leveled off several years ago in the 20,000 area, plus or minus...and platelets

continue to be low but above 100. I am now 82 and, of course, some of my issues may come with age. One of my docs once told me: "You will die from something else". I guess that should be comforting!

[bayside64]

I didn’t tell anyone for more than a year other than my family.

[Ghounds]

Welcome. Lots of good advice and we all understand.