Newly diagnosed

[tammi71]

I recently was diagnosed with stage 2 cll. I have had a cold and ran a fever off and on for about 6 weeks now. Is this something that I need to be concerned with? Should I call my oncologist or my GP? When should I notify my oncologist about problems that I am having?

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

GP ... quicker to see....fevers are an important indicator in CLL...you need to see a doctor as soon as possible... usually within a day or two... of a fever, cold etc...

Oncologists are focused on your CLL and there are what are called 'B symptoms' that include fatigue, weight loss, anemia, dropping blood counts, rising absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), enlarging nodes, unusual pains, and drenching night sweats...

~chris

[ygtgo]

Chris is right ... get an appointment to see your GP.

I've been on Watch & Wait since 2006.

My Consultant does the Watching and Waiting ... whilst my GP and I deal with the symptoms of my CLL.

Our immune system has been compromised, so if there is anything that your are unsure of in the way of any symptoms that you are experiencing, contact your GP.

I am lucky enough to only see my Consultant once every year at the moment, but I do see my GP more often.

As you are newly diagnosed, would I be right in saying that you are seeing your oncologist within a three month period?

It would be worth discussing with him/her the possibilities of how/when you should contact the hospital for any health worries that you may have.

ygtgo

[Carnyorth in reply to ygtgo]

Dear ygtgo

I like your reply because it has clarified something for me. I'm recently diagnosed with Stage one CLL which should have been diagnosed 18 months earlier. I have been pondering the W&W approach and what it means really. I've already found that I have become greatly acquainted with my GP and she and the practice nurse and I are NOT watching and waiting! We are actively managing my condition. As you say, it is only the consultant who is W&Wing.

Thank you for illuminating this for me. Your turn of phrase about the consultant made me chuckle.

[Justasheet1]

Do I really have to say it? Go to the doctor. I don't care what kind. Let them sort it out.

Jeff

[splashsplash3]

Yes always get on to antibiotics as soon as possible, the it might go away thinking doesn't work for us CLLers, don't be brave or worry about being thought a pest, we are different to others and our immune systems need all the help there is.