I just discovered my aunt had CLL and she was 93. The medication I take for CLL is good for 10 to 20 years or until the bad cells mutate and are not affected. Then it is time for a different medication. I take my medication at 50% dose and my blood test is 100% normal. Medication come with possible ill affects but my first year no problem second year strange cough that I solved by reducing medication to 50%. My life is very normal and I am happy. My wife thinks I am a mutant since I am 74 but get around like I am 40? Learn about CLL and medication. My medication uses BTK inhibitor which kills bad cells.

Hi Jill,
I like you couldn’t understand wait and watch either, it was the hardest part of the luekaemia I had to manage. I wished I had this site to fall back on when first diagnosed. I now realise that they wait because they are monitoring your health and don’t want to start treatment until blood markers are excessively elevated. I was told that treatment has advanced greatly and luekaemia has better results from treatment than other cancers.
I believe also that the first time you start treatment the chemo works at its best. I had mine four years ago and now in remission. Each time you have treatment again it doesn’t work as good as the first time. Read my profile Jill I have tried to document from start to finish my journey, it may answer some of your questions.
Every bodies luekaemia is different and has different symptoms but reading on here and asking will help with the details your chasing.
Stay positive ask questions to your haematologist, go prepared with notes and maybe take family or a friend along.

I agree! I don't understand the watch and wait. Why wouldn't they treat the cancer before it starts to progress? It is just wierd to me.

I found getting answers was a big help. I learned by getting answers. Fear of the unknown is real. I go find my answers. My life is normal because I took charge of my health when I realized that my blood tests just rapidly increased each test which to me meant time for meditation before any problems developed. I think waiting until after health problems developed is taken care of with meditation is wrong. I do not know of one person who was told when they would get medication? There should be a blood test point when medication is required ? I think this big unknown point of ill health is a big secret with doctors which to me is very odd ? I think everyone should known when their medication point is reached so each person knows how their ill health is progressing?

Indeed JillHugger be thankful for what you have. I also have a magic mirror at home and the reflection (to me) is marvellous. It also makes my wife fall about with laughter when I comment upon my magnificence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_-q9xeOgG4. Ho! Ho!