My doctor never told me anything except "don't worry?" I was never told about CLL or medications. I learned everything fast by visiting different web sites. After 10 months and tripling my WBC count I requested medication. My doctor applied for a money grant to pay the co-pay $3400 and my insurance paid the balance. two months later my WBC count was 100% normal and WBC count was 7300. I would rather not have organ damage or secondary ill affects from excess B cells in my body. I do visit the gym 3 times a week and I think my life is normal and I have a happy and healthy future.

Fire your oncologist, Beth. Ajaya summed it all up perfectly. As of last week, I have fired 5 oncologists & 2 PCP's in my 10 yrs living with CLL. Never, ever let the medical field, nor anyone in your personal life downplay what you have. ok. Unfortunately, we ALL have to advocate for ourselves & stand/speak up when we are not being heard & treated like we are ignorant.

From personal experience ... Doctors are paid by the company they work for. The company they work for is paid by YOUR insurance company. You are not an employee, you are the employer. The doctor works for YOU, not the other way around. If they won't listen or do their job request another doctor. In other words, fire the doctor. I've fired four in the past twenty years. Not putting up with b.s. is one of the reasons I'm still alive. This is not a game. This is life or death ☠️ literally. Don't be afraid to exercise your rights as an employer 😁

Hi Beth, I originally had the best Oncologist and then she left to work for the VA She was the most compassionate Doctor and a great listener. Unfortunately for me, one of her fellow Doctors became my Doctor. He is the most condescending, arrogant, cold hearted doctor I have ever had! .. Anyway, recently I was on the site with someone on my team and we were talking about how she was not happy with her Doctor and I was telling her to get a second opinion. After I got off my computer, it dawned on me that I was not taking my own advice:) I also have CKD and a few other things going on including a husband with a few medical problems too so I have told myself that I would look for another Oncologist, but I just felt like I had time . So by chance I googled my previous Oncologists name and found out she is now working in an office not far from my home!(no longer at the VA) So, I called and luckily they can see me the 23rd of this month! I feel so blessed to know I am seeing her soon. So my fellow Leukemian, I urge you to take the step it took me so long to take. I totally agree with Soultime who said we need to be our own best advocate. Take good care. Keep me posted.

Awesome news!!