Why is early-stage chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-treatment delayed

[Edalv]

I found this article interesting, since I am in the active surveillance camp…

powerfulpatients.org/2023/0...

[Shepherd777]

(1) Many never need treatment and treatment has side effects that are not pleasant. (2) We watch and wait or watch and worry until the CLL is more uncomfortable than the side effects of treatment. (3) The longer the wait the better drugs they may have with less side effects.

[CoachVera55 in reply to Shepherd777]

I love this explanation, a CLL discussion can not be conducted with out full disclosure since its rare & you hit the bottom line…🙏🏾

[BeckyLUSA]

Thanks for posting this. Dr Jacobs, the doc in the video is my CLL specialist. He is great! I am sure I would not be as well as I am today without his care.

[The-Man-with-a-Plan]

Thanks for the info Edalv. That was a question I had in the back of my mind when I was first diagnosed in 2019. I didn't start therapy till 2022 when things got bad quickly. One less 'WHAT IF' to ponder.

[Edalv in reply to The-Man-with-a-Plan]

That’s a question we all have in w&w… I knew it was the case when chemotherapy was the only therapy… but I am glad to know it’s still the case with the new generation of drugs… As always, discuss with your specialist what’s the best approach for your particular case…

[May1270]

I appreciate the link to that site. I was unaware of it.

[FiArt12X]

because of the Chronic label, the longer they (medical experts) determine you can wait the better. The other aspect of commonly this being a very slow progression cancer gives you that opportunity to wait. Be sure you are consulting with an expert in the field. There are so many options for treatment today, and more being developed and approved.

I suggest joining and using the CLL society for advice and information. They have been very helpful to me in my battle with this disease. On my second round of treatment.

[Edalv]

Excellent advice… For those in W&W, there’s always the doubt if we are delaying treatment too long. It’s reassuring to get a confirmation that waiting isn’t counterproductive in most situations… but at the same time each situation is different… so always work with your specialist before making a final decision…