Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL/SLL)

My story begins almost 24 years ago in 1996, when I was diagnosed with cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Back then, there was no cure for CLL except for a bone marrow transplant (BMT), but that procedure only had a survival rate of 50%, not very attractive odds. My prognosis was I had anywhere from six to 15 years without a BMT.

In January 2014 I got pneumonia for the third in under two years. The hematologists examined my blood and suspected CLL, since my white-blood count was so low. Then a bone-marrow biopsy confirmed this. This certainly explained my inability to fight infections. I skipped all the steps in the grieving process and went straight to acceptance: It is what it is.

Hi, my name is Chaneta, I like to go by Juliet. This past year has been an interesting one, to say the least. I’m a singer-songwriter who wrote and released an album in October 2017. I thought the year was going to be an amazing one – promoting and performing – unfortunately, I performed one time and I began to literally unravel. In December 2017, I caught the flu.

I was diagnosed with CLL in 2010 after feeling tired all the time, bruising easily, significant joint pain, a hot mess. I was told I could be treated but never cured. I survived an earlier cancer via radiation therapy where I was over radiated. I had never been so sick in all my life. While I don't ignore my condition I've decided to live best I can.

I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in December 2004 during a routine physical. Over the next five years I had periodic blood tests and met with my oncologist, Dr. Symes at the Regional Cancer Center (RCC) in Erie PA discussing the disease's progression, treatment options and when to begin treatment, including but never have done a bone marrow biopsy.