All I can say is that I was never treated for CLL, My CLL turned into other Blood diseases and for that I had chemo.<br />
Fortunately for me, my body has not undergone any major changes such as lymph node or spleen increases.<br />
On the negative side however, I contracted ITP (low platelet count), the after a very stressful situation I contracted MDS (Low blood counts in all three blood lines - white for infections, red for anemia and platelets for blood coagulation).<br />
For MDS I had to have a port put in because my chemo was to be 5 days a month instead of the one day a month I had for ITP.<br />
Well, I contracted either a Staph or MRSA infection and had to be hospitalized for 5 days.<br />
Chemo's biggest complaint by all patients regardless of which cancer or chemo they get is fatigue.  In my case my Poly-Neuropathy (both feet and legs, not from diabetes) was affected so much that I could hardly walk without pain, plus the fatigue.<br />
What I do know is that if chemo is not an option, they can remove the spleen, it really doesn't affect your health.  But I am not a Doctor, so you'll have to talk to a real Oncologist.<br />
Ivan