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gerryk, I am 70 yrs old and have cll. I was diagnosed 7 yrs ago. Some<br>people with cll never need treatment. My biggest problem as far as<br>symptoms was as a result of my ever increasing white cell count . It got<br>to a point where my white cells caused swollen lymph nodes and spleen. At<br>that point my Geisinger cancer doc said it was time to begin treatment. I<br>was able to get into a clinical trial. There were 3 random types of<br>treatment. The first was the current standard chemo route. I think that<br>drug is Bendamustine along with Rituximab. The second was several infusions<br>of Rituximab in iv form over a period of a couple of months while taking<br>Ibrutinab in capsule form daily. the third was just taking ibrutinab daily.<br>I was chosen for option 2. They list several possible side effects. For me<br>the iv could have been water. I had zero side effects. I take the Ibrutinib<br>daily and the only side effect I experience is an occasional dry cough. I<br>am very happy with my treatment. At this point my bloodwork is much<br>improved and my lymph nodes are not swollen. I was told another person at<br>Geisinger is doing option 3 and is doing well. There are over 500 people in<br>the trial. For any Vietnam veterans out there cll is one of several cancers<br>caused by being around Agent Orange. If you were there you are considered<br>exposed. GMACK<br>
Replies to "gerryk, I am 70 yrs old and have cll. I was diagnosed 7 yrs ago. Somepeople..."
Gerry
You may never feel poorly. I would not trade my health with most 70 year olds. I play golf 3 times a week. I never received chemo. The Rituxin was a targeted therapy and had no side effects. I hope you do as well as I have. By the way my family doctor told me that if he was told he had to have cancer and had a choice it would be CLL.
Good Luck!
GMACK
Gary Mc Afee
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GMACK<br>First of all, thank you so much for the response..... it will be most<br>helpful to me in managing my expectations.<br><br>Just to let you know, I am a Canadian thus, no involvement in Vietnam or<br>Agent Orange .<br><br>Ibrutinab seems to hold the most promising solution..... I met a Canadian<br>who was also in the clinical trial and he indicated that it saved his life.<br><br>I do have a "Marker" in my cell count which is known as ZAP70.(48%) I have<br>been advised that it progresses a little faster which may result in<br>treatment 2 years earlier.<br><br>I have also heard that chemo results in significant fatigue..... don't know<br>if you experienced that.<br><br>I feel OK now but recognize that will change over time.<br><br>Ibrutinab or possibly immunotherapy would appear to give me confidence to<br>deal with this.<br><br>Again, thank you so much.<br><br>Gerryk<br><br>*Gerry Kowalchuk*<br><br><br>