Hi. I was diagnosed with CLL 6 months ago and like many people it was discovered 'by accident'. Until then I thought I was a reasonably healthy 56 year old, busy and active & enjoying life after taking early retirement. What a shock. I am fortunate to live near to an excellent hospital and have just had my first 6 month check up whilst on 'watch and wait' - although I agree with the person who called it 'wait and worry'! So far I have experienced considerable anxiety and am inclined to fret about minor ailments in a way that I would not have before. I was interested to read posts from other members who are experiencing hives - me too. My GP assured me it is nothing to do with my CLL. ??
So 'hello' to you all out there. Thanks for sharing!
Written by
AR0613
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Quite a shock for you to discover your CLL so soon after taking early retirement. This isn't what you had in mind for an early retirement but please don't let the knowledge rob you of the enjoyment because it really doesn't need to. It's great to hear you have excellent medical oversight because that's pivotal. Hope your first 6 monthly check up went well and if you're on 6 monthly surveillance, it must be very early stages so this is very reassuring.
It's difficult initially to avoid these feelings of anxiety because it's entirely normal to feel the fear of uncertainty. When I was first diagnosed 5 yrs ago I convinced myself that an ache in my side was a swollen spleen. I prodded so hard and anxiously that I ended up bruising that area! Five years later my spleen is marginally enlarged but that fear was entirely unjustified.
Not everything is CLL related but it can be true that certain things are CLL exacerbated. Keep your vaccinations up to date, try to avoid infectious people and keep a close watch on your skin (CLL'ers have a much greater risk of skin cancers). There's a wealth of information on this site and masses of understanding support. Please feel free to ask anything and reach out if you need us.
Please consider restricting your posts to the community if you post any personal information. There's a little tick box at the bottom of your post submission to do that.
Warm best wishes and get on with thoroughly enjoying your early retirement!
Newdawn
Welcome Aro, glad you found us. Crazy to think you work hard, take early retirement and bam! you get hit with a scary diagnosis. I'm with ya', many have had a similar experience.
Fortunately you have good access to health care. And yes every little ailment feels like it could be serious. For me it's part head game and part being vigilant since Cll can pop up in percular parts places.
I've learned so much from all the dear Cllrs on this site they truly are trusted friends and teachers.
Stay in touch you are among friends, there is much to be gained from this forum.
Hi Aro, I remember only to well when 5 years ago I was in the same place after being told my chest pain was due to embolism on the lung after a transatlantic flight and thought ok I can deal with that ,only for the next day the doctor on his morning round said oh by the way you have chronic leukaemia
Treated 3 years ago and now back on watct and wait so there is light at the end of the tunnel .I found the way to cope was to stay positive and enjoy life.
Helll there and welcome from a relative newbie too- diagnosed 10 months ago.
What a bummer to find out just when you thought you had things sorted re retirement. But what I can say is that you have the luxury of being able to pace your activities which is good.
This is s fantastic place to be - Everyone is so supportive as we all travel on our different journeys. I remember the first few weeks - felt I had been hit by a train - but now if I notice something different re my body I don't now spin into that automatic panic of the early days.
You have found a great community here - although I don't post a lot, I would be lost without the extensive knowledge and support found here. You are in a very good place 😊
Welcome to this wonderful supportive group. I am 6 years on watch and wait and only found this group approx 4 months ago. I have gained far more knowledge from this group than from any specialist or doctor who are short of time to talk to you. A lot of anxiety has been lifted by reading the comments of others. It is traumatic to have this diagnosis, and it is definitely more "watch and worry". I hope you have an easy journey and WW goes on for many years.
HI my husband was diagnosed at the same age as you and it was 18 yrs before he needed treatment and in that time he kept well .He completed 6 months of chemo 12 months ago and is now in remission and is in good health ,my advise is to live your life as normal untill
Thanks for taking the trouble to reply to my post, and for your positive and reassuring message. Likewise, I hope your husband continues to enjoy improved health.
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