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@janicegoe23

Hello fellow CLL survivors! On my 80th birthday I was diagnosed with CLL. I did the watch and worry year also, and ultimately went into treatment (targeted cell therapy) which is not chemo. It’s a daily pill for a year and 9 infusions within that year. I felt good during that treatment year and continue to do so. So I’m considered in remission for the last three years and hope that this continues. Good luck to you all!

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Replies to "Hello fellow CLL survivors! On my 80th birthday I was diagnosed with CLL. I did the..."

Welcome to Mayo Connect @janicegoe23 and @otto2023
Janice, I had to giggle a little with the “watch and worry’ instead of watch and wait. ☺️ Anyway, you both have been handed a diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and I know you had/have a ton of questions. It can be frightening getting a diagnosis like this because it feels you’re waiting for that ‘other shoe to drop’.

@otto2023, CLL is generally slow to progress. Some people can go for years without noticing any symptoms and when that happens there are highly effective treatments to protect your quality of life. I have a younger neighbor (in his late 30s) who’s had CLL for over 10 years and in active treatment. He just finished a marathon!
Your doctor is having you get your blood work every 3 months to watch for trends and to track any changes that might be present. This sets a solid baseline for monitoring your condition.
I just wanted to bring your attention to this post from @janicegoe23 in case you hadn’t seen it. She shared her story of CLL and the treatments she received and is now in remission for three years. I hope you find it encouraging. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/945771/

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This article might be helpful for you as well: https://www.verywellhealth.com/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-7551732
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@janicegoe23. Thank you for sharing your experience with the treatment for CLL. These targeted therapies are amazing, aren’t they? Positive stories such as yours offer hope and encouragement to so many other people who are going along that same journey. Congratulations!
How often do you have blood work done for a followup?

Awesome to hear you’ve been in remission for 3 years!!