Hi @arooney33. I’m still in shock over reading you have internal Poison Ivy that affected your lungs! I can’t even… I hope that’s been resolved. But you are in a world of hurt with the sinus infections, headaches and other symptoms you’re experiencing with your CLL.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia or CLL affects the development of white blood cells called lymphocytes. They are an important part of your immune system. So if their production is diminished that can make you more susceptible to illnesses and infections, which you’re already finding out. I’m so sorry to hear you’re practically having to live on OCT pain relievers…that’s miserable!

I found an informational article that might be helpful in explaining how CLL impacts the immune system. Here’s the link:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cll-and-immune-system
The CLL society provides a great deal of information on their site too. Since you are recently diagnosed and in the ‘watch and wait’ period this is a relevant link for you:
https://cllsociety.org/cll-sll-patient-education-toolkit/watch-and-wait-active-observation/
Were you having the same symptoms of night sweats and headaches when you were first diagnosed? Is this what led to the discovery of your CLL?