Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I’ve been diagnosed with CLL in April. So far this cancer is behaving it self but what can it do to the digestive part of my body.

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Norwalk, IA

I have Gerd and , diverticulosis. How does that affect my CLL? How about chocolate protein shakes! God bless each and every CLL member🥰

October 5
 · 
Reactions
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I eat healthy and exercise. My medication makes my blood tests 100% normal helps. I have Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) so eating healthy is a big help. Both CCL & T2 D are no problem because of my focus on eating healthy. My wife knows her nutrition and each meal is very healthy.

October 7
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

As we are all different Yvonne, it’s hard to say exactly how CLL affects the gut. I have Crohns so I understand your frustration & concern. Thankfully I do not take meds for my Crohns. All controlled with diet & lifestyle. Do you take meds for your stomach issues? I avoid protein shakes as they are loaded with so many processed & unhealthy ingredients & also tons of sugar which is not good for our guts at all. My protein comes from things like eggs, chicken, peanut butter, legumes,etc. Maybe look into a cookbook that focuses on high protein food & diets to follow for herd & diverticulitis?

October 6
MyLeukemiaTeam

What a warm message — right back at you and everyone in the community! 🥰 It's great to hear your CLL is behaving itself for now. Let's break down your questions.

What CLL can do to your digestive system:

CLL can affect digestion in a few ways as it progresses:

- An enlarged spleen (called splenomegaly) can develop, causing you Show Full Answer

What a warm message — right back at you and everyone in the community! 🥰 It's great to hear your CLL is behaving itself for now. Let's break down your questions.

What CLL can do to your digestive system:

CLL can affect digestion in a few ways as it progresses:

- An enlarged spleen (called splenomegaly) can develop, causing you to feel full quickly after eating small amounts and pain in the upper-left abdomen
- Loss of appetite is also a common symptom as the disease progresses
- Treatments for CLL can sometimes cause nausea, bloating, and digestive discomfort Managing diet with GERD alongside CLL:

Since you have GERD, choosing lower-fat dairy options like skim milk or nonfat yogurt (rather than butter or ice cream) can help reduce heartburn flare-ups during treatment. Avoiding caffeine is also recommended if you experience acid reflux. About chocolate protein shakes:

Good news — protein shakes can actually be a smart option! Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and immune function with CLL. A few tips to keep your shake CLL-friendly:

- Choose a low-sugar or unsweetened protein powder, since added sugar can cause energy crashes and worsen fatigue
- Use a low-fat milk or fortified nondairy alternative like almond or soy milk as your base
- Add fruit for natural sweetness and an iron/vitamin C boost
- Avoid raw eggs as an add-in, since CLL can make you more vulnerable to foodborne illness

Always check with your care team about specific products, especially if you're on treatment. 😊

October 5

Related Questions

View All

Who here has cll? What stage? How long?

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Randolph, VT
October 13, 2020 (edited)

How do you/did you cope with chemotherapy?

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Berryville, AR
October 6

You’ve Just Been Diagnosed With Leukemia. Now What?
What Are B Symptoms in CLL and Other Types of Leukemia?
8 Ways To Live Better With CLL