Alcohol and CLL

[Lindaan]

Is there any prohibition or problem regarding having an evening drink for people with CLL?

[GMa27]

Alcohol in general can change potency of medications. While on chemo it was suggested to not have any- could interfere.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Recent research studies show that in general, there is no safe level for drinking alcohol with regard to potential health risk. There are also a few cancers that are linked with drinking alcohol. Given CLL increases our risk of secondary cancers, some of us decide to reduce or stop drinking alcohol. Many consider the social benefits make the risk worthwhile, however.

When it comes to treatment time, it seems that only a few specialists recommend having a break. There is the consideration of being kinder to your liver and kidneys when they are under the increased stress of breaking down and eliminating the treatment drugs as well as recycling killed CLL cells.

Neil

[Richard2021 in reply to AussieNeil]

Very well said:"There is the consideration of being kinder to your liver and kidneys when they are under the increased stress of breaking down and eliminating the treatment drugs as well as recycling killed CLL cells."

[Belfastbees]

Absolutely have a drink. A nice glass or 2 of wine or a few beers. As all things moderation is advised. Sometimes easier said than done if you're sociable.

No need for abstinence.

[sweatbee]

I have SLL and have been on W&W for the past 2.5 years. Early on I asked three different oncologists about a glass of wine at night and they all said it was OK. Even so, since I got on a health kick with my diagnosis I very seldom have alcohol. I generally will drink only with friends socially, now very little with Covid-19,

Blessings,

Hal

[thb4747]

I’m also in the “moderation” camp. I’ve had CLL for almost 20 years and, apart from the 1 or 2 nights a week that I give my liver a rest, I’ve had a couple of glasses of wine with dinner every night — including during treatment. It helps me feel that I’m living as normal a life as possible and not being dictated to by CLL.

[LeoPa]

Some would say it's possible to live without alcohol but is it worth to? 😄 The answer to that is very individual. Alcohol goes straight into the liver for detoxification because it's a poison and the liver is the only organ that can handle it. In order not to overload the liver with poisons on an alcohol drinking day it is advisable to avoid everything that is sweet. Because everything that is sweet contains fructose. And fructose also goes to the liver for detoxification because the liver is the only organ that can handle it. It is a poison just like alcohol is. Even children who never drank alcohol can get non-alcoholic fatty liver disease which is a condition equal to what alcoholics get.

[YelvertonDevon]

It’s the sociability of having a drink with friends. Not wanting a Diet Coke or a juice. I’ve found some excellent Sav Blanc no alcohol 80% less calories (always a good thing) and a beautiful glass makes it far easier and inclusive. Some of the zero alcohol beers are also good. The range is getting larger and better all the time.

[J1015]

I have never been a heavy drinker but I do enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or a glass of wine with dinner on a social level, which might be once every couple of weeks. When I was first diagnosed, my oncologist told me that when I feel anxious to have a glass of wine. Moderation with anything in our diet is always key.

[Ladydi49]

I think the best thing to do is to ask our specialists. It’s ok to ask what others say/do but checking with our doctors is always best.

[Kevin54613]

I was told to limit alcohol to 2 drinks per week while I was getting interveinious chemo for CLL. I drank a few bottles of wine per week. Too much, yes, but I didn't care at the time.In 2016 I was switched to oral Imbruvica it affected my taste so the wine now has a metallic taste and I rarely drink it.

[scarletnoir]

Yes, there is a problem - it's harder to digest booze in the evenings - it may lead to heartburn in bed.

So, do as I do - have a couple of glasses of wine at lunchtime, or a beer!

(I'm retired, so if you are working this may not be possible in your case...)

🙂