Hi @sonia85. You should take some encouragement from the fact that this has progressed very slowly over the years. Truly, I know waiting for results is so frustrating! We want to know the answers so we can take charge!

You’re wondering what to do at this stage. Well, you’ve had the bone marrow biopsy and exam (BMBX). That takes a good week or more for every aspect of that biopsy to be completed. However that’s an important test because it takes samples directly from your body’s blood manufacturing site. That will help give your hematologist/oncologist a clearer picture of what’s going on with your blood cells. The BMBX along with a comprehensive blood test will help them provide you with a firm diagnosis so they can get you started with a directed treatment…if it’s needed.

As I mentioned earlier, CLL is often a slowly developing form of leukemia on the lymphatic side of the blood. Because it is a form of leukemia, a blood cancer, it can be dangerous as it progresses over time. Frequently, when first diagnosed, patients are on a ‘watch and wait’ protocol which can be unnerving because we all want to treat an illness and get it over with. But in the case of CLL it is often better to defer treatment until the hematologist feels it’s to a point where intervention needs to happen. So let’s wait until you actually get a diagnosis to see if you even have to go down that route. From experience, speculating only leads to unwarranted anxiety. ☺️

How did you do during the biopsy? With or without sedation? I’m just curious. We’re a divided camp on that. I’m all for sedation as I’ve had so many. I like waking up and having it over…and being treated to Lorna Doone’s and apple juice. There are other members who think it was a breeze without.

Do you have a consultation appointment soon?