I don't have CLL, I have B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL). Before diagnosed with B-PLL I was diagnosed leukemia and handed booklets on 'non-Hodgkin Lymphoma'. I was then dianosed Marginal Zone Lymphoma. Fludarabine (chemo) didn't work because I guess it had to do with my 17p deletion and TP53 mutation. They were afraid to give me Rituximab because it is a rough drug that required observation in the hospital so I never got it and .... Anyway, after the chemo didn't work my dr. got me on Imbruvica which is approved for 17p deletion CLL folks. I then went to a specialist and they diagnosed B-PLL. B-PLL got tossed around in medical categories It's somewhere similar to on a spectrum to other things -->CLL (B-PLL) and MCL (it can be closer to CLL 'leukemia' or closer to MCL ' mantle cell lymphoma'). Seems like B-PLL is not welcome in either category. One website called Up to Date said "B-PLL is an extremely rare disease, comprising far less than 1 percent of B cell leukemias . Its rarity has become increasingly apparent as advances in diagnostic criteria have refined the diagnosis of B-PLL and excluded cases of mantle cell lymphoma, atypical chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and CLL/PLL (defined as between 15 and 55 percent prolymphocytes) " B-PLL prolymphocytes comprise greater than 55 percent of the cells in the blood and bone marrow.

How did I get to treatment? I had NIGHT SWEATS. I had FATIGUE and WEAKNESS. I had a balloon of the swollen SPLEEN. I was hospitalized while they tried to figure out what would work. My dr. said 'what's the rush?' when it came to suggestions of having stem cell transplants. The plan is treat with imbruvica and when that fails get on the next latest and greatest drug. They say to keep treatment options in reserve - plan A, plan B, plan C. My wanting to blast cancer with everything they got is not what drs. recommend. Stem cell transplant is at the back of the list (I hope) for as long as possible. I I think the drs. were amazed that I made it. Imbruvica works for me.

If you have CLL there are many clinical trials out there for the CLL and CLL/SLL folks - really good ones that are with imbruvica or the next latest and greatest drug - Venetoclax (which I've got my eye on for if I have to move on to the next drug). Check that out (edit to add - clinical trials in my understanding give you the drugs for free)

And finally, you have my wishes for success in court, that is a very stressful and terrible thing to have hanging over you. As impossible as it seems, you will need to find things that you enjoy to give yourself a much needed break from that stress. Little things even like going outside to experience the beauty of nature, or having a special treat of your favorite coffee, wine, pastry etc. Or a big things like attending a party with friends.