← Return to CLL leukemia: Just diagnosed, what can be done?

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@aleeab

I have had the initial diagnosis of CLL. The first blood test came back a few minutes ago with the doctor providing the test results saying : "Peripheral blood, flow cytometric immunophenotyping" Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, kappa light chain restricted." I'm a 73 year old woman whose family doctor sent me to the cancer guy. I have looked up all the words, but cannot figure out what they mean. My cancer doc has me scheduled for another consultation next month. Do any of your doctors wait so long to tell you what is going on with your disease? I'm in rural Oregon and haven't many choices here. I'm trying to figure out more questions for the doctor. Thank for any light you can shed on this.

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Replies to "I have had the initial diagnosis of CLL. The first blood test came back a few..."

Hi @aleeab, Welcome to Mayo Connect. This is a perfect support group discussion for you to join with your newly diagnosed Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia. It tends to be a slowly developing conditions that often doesn’t require any treatment in the early stages.

This particular discussion about CLL has a ton of really useful information from many of our members who also have CLL. It should give you plenty of topics to cover with your doctor at your consultation appointment.

I encourage you to read through all the initial comments posted back at the beginning. You can access those by scrolling to the top of this discussion where you’ll see a box marked “First”. That will take you back to the original replies for @kegraves regarding her husband who was newly diagnosed with CLL at that time.

Your tests results showed “Peripheral blood, flow cytometric immunophenotyping” basically that means: When you have signs and symptoms that your doctor thinks may be due to leukemia or lymphoma they will run this test. It helps diagnose and classify a blood disease.

The blood sample taken, which is your peripheral blood, showed an abnormality in your blood cells. In this case, a tendency towards CLL. This article from Mayo will help explain it a little better.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352428

Kappa light chain restricted~ A kappa free light chain test is a quick blood test that measures certain proteins in your blood. It’s just another test that was run on your blood to help diagnose a blood condition.

I know all of this is hitting you out of the blue. I’ve had my own experience with blood cancer, now 4 years in remission and feeling fantastic. So don’t let this diagnosis have you feeling hopeless. You may not need any treatment for some time and there are medications available to help slow the progression of the disease.

Were you feeling ill when this was discovered or was it with a routine exam?