You might want to discuss with your oncologist what to be alert to with regard to immunity. I am beginning to track down one item now. I was given a script and sample packs by an ophthalmologist of an eye drop that is an immunosuppressive agent. Thankfully I did not fill the expensive script until I saw if the sample packs of drops help. Now to check with my oncologist if they do help with "dry eye". I had come across a study that the life expectancy if someone with CLL gets an eye infection is measured in months.
I am having cataract surgery next week, and I know there are eye drops prescribed to prevent eye infections. Hopefully it doesn't have an immunosuppressive agent in it!
I am having cataract surgery next week, and I know there are eye drops prescribed to prevent eye infections. Hopefully it doesn't have an immunosuppressive agent in it!
Hi @mygirl. It’s important for you to follow the guidelines from your ophthalmologist at the time of your cataract surgery. Using eye drops after the surgery can help prevent complications like eye infections, eye inflammation, and macular edema. Certainly you can mention that you have been diagnosed with CLL. But I know several people with varying blood conditions or blood cancers who have had cataract surgery with no issues…and the drops are very important with healing and prevention of complications.
Have you discussed the surgery with your oncologist to see if there’s any problem with going ahead with removing the cataracts?
Hi @mygirl, Welcome to Connect. If you were just recently diagnosed with CLL I would guess your mind is racing with questions. I’m happy to see you were encouraged with the reply I wrote to @ksandusky86 about their recent diagnosis. CLL is one of the more treatable forms of leukemia which tends to develop slowly.
How long ago were you diagnosed? Were you having symptoms that lead to the discovery or was this through routine blood work?
I have my first second opinion @Mayo Tuesday.
I had lots of questions After my 1st diagnosis I was not satisfied with my Doctor's Answers to some of my questions. So I requested 1⁄2 opinion and was pleased to hear from mayo. There are lots of treatments from what I understand and improvements and hopeI am anxiously . I am anxiously awaiting my appointment.
I have my first second opinion @Mayo Tuesday.
I had lots of questions After my 1st diagnosis I was not satisfied with my Doctor's Answers to some of my questions. So I requested 1⁄2 opinion and was pleased to hear from mayo. There are lots of treatments from what I understand and improvements and hopeI am anxiously . I am anxiously awaiting my appointment.
Hello @susue and welcome to Mayo Connect! I'm glad to hear that you will be getting a second opinion at Mayo Clinic. On Connect there are some discussions that might be helpful to you,
I recently saw my oncologist for my once a year checkup. After eight years I'm still stable with a WBC of about 40 and on no medication. My oncologist said that with about 50 patients with CLL only three are taking meds and I will most likely never need to. So just look at this as a bump in the road and continue with your life with this diagnosis tucked in the back of your head.
When my oncologist diagnosed me I was 29 and he said "you will have this your whole life and it will kill you". I wish I had some of yall's doctors that were more encouraging. It's been a difficult 10 years dragging those words around with me into everything I try to do.
My Dad was diagnosed in his 70's with CLL and has been taking Imbruvica 140mg every other day since. His oncologist is happy with Dad's numbers and stability since. Dad is turning 99 years old in June! There's always hope. Don't give up.
Welcome to Connect, @sweetsuzy. Whether you’re just at the beginning of your diagnosis as a newbie or a veteran of CLL, this is a great place to join the discussion. If you’re looking for newly diagnosed members, @ksandusky86 and @mygirl recently joined the group.
Here is a message I wrote to @ksandusky86 which might be a good introduction for you. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1294093/
What have you and your doctor discussed about your CLL? Are you in active surveillance or will you be requiring treatment?
Stage O active surveillance and my hematologist was very encouraging saying many people have it for years and treatment is by pills and no hair loss. Enjoy the sunshine everyone
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I am having cataract surgery next week, and I know there are eye drops prescribed to prevent eye infections. Hopefully it doesn't have an immunosuppressive agent in it!
Hi @mygirl. It’s important for you to follow the guidelines from your ophthalmologist at the time of your cataract surgery. Using eye drops after the surgery can help prevent complications like eye infections, eye inflammation, and macular edema. Certainly you can mention that you have been diagnosed with CLL. But I know several people with varying blood conditions or blood cancers who have had cataract surgery with no issues…and the drops are very important with healing and prevention of complications.
Have you discussed the surgery with your oncologist to see if there’s any problem with going ahead with removing the cataracts?
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1 ReactionHi @mygirl, Welcome to Connect. If you were just recently diagnosed with CLL I would guess your mind is racing with questions. I’m happy to see you were encouraged with the reply I wrote to @ksandusky86 about their recent diagnosis. CLL is one of the more treatable forms of leukemia which tends to develop slowly.
How long ago were you diagnosed? Were you having symptoms that lead to the discovery or was this through routine blood work?
I have my first second opinion @Mayo Tuesday.
I had lots of questions After my 1st diagnosis I was not satisfied with my Doctor's Answers to some of my questions. So I requested 1⁄2 opinion and was pleased to hear from mayo. There are lots of treatments from what I understand and improvements and hopeI am anxiously . I am anxiously awaiting my appointment.
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1 ReactionHello @susue and welcome to Mayo Connect! I'm glad to hear that you will be getting a second opinion at Mayo Clinic. On Connect there are some discussions that might be helpful to you,
--Keys to a Successful Doctor's Appointment
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/keys-to-a-successful-doctors-appointment/
and
--Tips for Seeking a Second Opinion
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/tips-for-seeking-a-second-opinion/
Will you be traveling very far to reach the Mayo facility for your appointment?
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1 ReactionI recently saw my oncologist for my once a year checkup. After eight years I'm still stable with a WBC of about 40 and on no medication. My oncologist said that with about 50 patients with CLL only three are taking meds and I will most likely never need to. So just look at this as a bump in the road and continue with your life with this diagnosis tucked in the back of your head.
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Helpful -
Hug
11 ReactionsMy Dad was diagnosed in his 70's with CLL and has been taking Imbruvica 140mg every other day since. His oncologist is happy with Dad's numbers and stability since. Dad is turning 99 years old in June! There's always hope. Don't give up.
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11 ReactionsI am newly diagnosed with CLL anyone else new to it also?
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1 ReactionWelcome to Connect, @sweetsuzy. Whether you’re just at the beginning of your diagnosis as a newbie or a veteran of CLL, this is a great place to join the discussion. If you’re looking for newly diagnosed members, @ksandusky86 and @mygirl recently joined the group.
Here is a message I wrote to @ksandusky86 which might be a good introduction for you. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1294093/
What have you and your doctor discussed about your CLL? Are you in active surveillance or will you be requiring treatment?
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsStage O active surveillance and my hematologist was very encouraging saying many people have it for years and treatment is by pills and no hair loss. Enjoy the sunshine everyone
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 Reactions