It's ironic and funny... after being on 'wait and watch for 10 years, and having gone through treatments finally in 2022 and in now in remission since 2024, im back on 'wait and watch' for if I come out of remission. Go figure. But I'm enjoying being in remission.

I agree...my oncologist hematologist thinks blood work and a visit once a year is enough. My GP orders blood work at the 6 month mark ( I asked her to order it☺️). A year to wait to see what my numbers are is stressful.

I get blood taken/analyzed every 3 to 6 months.

I have been on a 3-month cycle ever since my diagnoses 4 years ago, at which time I was told that I had already been living with it for 5 years so, now I am at 9 years and counting. Just "Watch & Wait" every 3-months.
Numbers re at 42k and my biggest symptom is tiredness, but I am 62 years young, working a very physical job full-time and maintaining almost an acre of land.
God has been good to me by keeping me as healthy as I am considering what I am dealing with.

Well, that question is not always simple to answer. CLL in particular--the most often watch and wait leukemia--runs a varied course depending upon among other things bone marrow results, chromosomal deletions and such, which point towards how progressive the leukemia may turn out to be.One can go a very long time watching and waiting, but while you are waiting I would live life to the fullest before the wait is over. In case its not been shared with you by your doctor, hepatosplenomegaly (liver and spleen enlargement) progressively higher white blood cell counts, anemia or thrombocytopenia-- severe weight loss, chronic infections..all may be indicators that you are inching out of the watch and wait phase. Valerie I wouldn't get too overly worried at this point. Take proper precautions advised by your oncologist, eat well, keep active--you know the stuff we tell everyone for everything--take a flu shot if not allergic and strongly think about having whatever other vaccinations your oncologist suggests (sorry FDA--this group needs extra protection). To get back to your initial question, the varied leukemias and stages make any comparison with others difficult to do.