I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2021 after a routine physical after my 50th birthday. It was a complete shock, and with no real cure, I was scared and unsure of what my future would look like.
Thanks to doctors and researchers, the treatment for CLL has changed a lot in the last 10 years. New medications have been used in clinical trials separately and in combination. Before this, the standard was traditional chemotherapy. Doctors have determined that, unlike other cancers, there is no benefit to treating early, so the standard is to “wait and watch” for symptoms and bloodwork results to change. Although this gives patients time to learn about their disease, it can put an emotional toll on patients.
As my CLL progressed, I faced fatigue, night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes daily and had an appointment with my oncologist every three months to check my blood cell counts. I am now in a year-long new course of cancer treatment that is a combination of infusions and an oral medication that will hopefully allow me to be in remission for five+ years.
Blood Cancer United is the largest nonprofit funder of leading-edge research for every type of blood cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other rare types of blood cancers. I am thankful to Blood Cancer United for providing me with tools and information along my journey. They have dietitians, nurses, and one-on-one support for patients. They also provide financial support, social workers, and support groups. Thanks to their resources, I have been able to meet others who understand and empathize with my situation and needs. I have participated in the Blood Cancer United program Light The Night (LTN) to help raise awareness and raise funds for blood cancer patients like myself. I am hopeful for the future and feel confident that there will continue to be more life-saving options in the future!
Tracey
chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
