@dani349. I’m a firm believer that knowledge is power. The article I recommended is a good primer for information from a credible source to let you know a little more about your condition. But not everything mentioned in it will be directed at you…it’s more of an overall educational article.

You don’t have to worry that you’re not staged. I’d look at it as a good thing…it hasn’t progressed to the point of even being staged or needing any treatment. From what I’m reading with your posts, you have a great doctor who is concerned and not dismissive. You have labs at reasonable intervals to keep an eye out for any possible changes. CLL/SLL develop very slowly and some patients never have to be treated. By checking your labs your doctor will look for trends in the results. Seldom does one test determine a diagnosis. I know it can be unnerving waiting to see blood results and you’ll most likely be antsy each time. I’ve had literally hundreds of blood tests over the past 5 years. Each one is a mystery trip! But if there’s something skewed, then I talk to my doctor and we work it out together. I fear nothing anymore except…heights. Still not a fan of being on the edge of a cliff. ☺️

There are so many amazing treatment options of CLL. I’ve shared this story before with other members. There’s a young neighbor next door who developed CLL sometime in his 20s. He found that out after he and his wife were married. It was 10 years before he needed to begin a daily pill form medication and of course he was scared! He’s been on that about 5 years now and doing fabulous! He and his wife have 4 little kids! He’s out there daily, jogging, riding bikes, playing football…nothing slows this man down! It’s that way for most people who have SLL or CLL. They get treatment and recover. You really don’t need to live in fear of this disease. Yes, it’s a ‘cancer’ word but it is one of the most highly treatable forms of this disease. ‘’Stuff’ happens and we learn to face it head on…deal with things as they come but don’t let the fear of the unknown destroy the amazing life you have right now! Fear just robs us of our precious time!

I want to share a bit of my life with you. I want to infuse you with hope!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/ill-take-an-order-of-hope-with-a-side-of-mayo-please/
I hope today is filled with positive energy for you!