8 Ways To Live Better With CLL

Medically reviewed by Fatima Sharif, MBBS, FCPS

Written by Joan Grossman

Updated on January 2, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia can be challenging, but healthy lifestyle changes and basic precautions can help protect your health and well-being.

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Living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can be challenging, but you can take steps to feel better and enjoy a high quality of life. Whether you’re treating CLL or monitoring your condition through watchful waiting, healthy lifestyle changes and basic precautions can protect your health and well-being.

How Can Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Affect Your Well-Being?

CLL is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes. In CLL, lymphocytes become abnormal, and the bone marrow produces too many. CLL primarily affects B lymphocytes, or B cells, which are part of the immune system. In CLL, abnormal white blood cells impair the body’s ability to fight infection. They also crowd out red blood cells and platelets, lowering blood cell counts and leading to other symptoms. Additionally, involvement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen may cause symptoms like abdominal pain and loss of appetite.

In early stages, CLL may not cause any symptoms. As the disease progresses, common symptoms like fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, unexpected weight loss, and night sweats develop.

CLL is diagnosed using blood tests, a physical exam, and an evaluation of your medical history. CLL progresses slowly. A range of effective treatment options, such as targeted therapies that attack cancer cells, can help most people with CLL maintain a fulfilling life for many years.

These eight tips can help you care for yourself while living with CLL.

1. Stay Physically Active

Research shows that exercise and physical activity can improve fatigue, quality of life, and immune system function. Many healthcare professionals consider staying active an important component of cancer care.

A brisk walk or bike ride can provide moderate aerobic exercise (activity in which you feel a little out of breath). Strength and resistance training are also important to improve muscle strength and endurance. The American Cancer Society recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise each week, but you can slowly work your way up to 30 minutes or more each day. Remember, any exercise is better than no exercise at all.

Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a physical therapist who can design an exercise program that’s right for you.

2. Eat a Balanced Diet

A well-balanced diet can support your overall health. A nutritious diet and healthy weight can also improve your strength during cancer treatment and help you better tolerate side effects. Research shows that a nutritious diet can boost immune function and support healthy gut bacteria, both of which are linked to a stronger immune system.

Blood Cancer United says that the best diet for CLL includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat protein and dairy, whole grains, and olive oil or other healthy oils. Avoid foods with trans fats or added sugar, and try not to eat more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium (salt) each day.

Along with eating a nutritious diet, consider adopting these healthy habits:

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Skip caffeinated beverages if you have nausea or acid reflux.
Avoid smoking. By staying away from cigarettes, you improve cancer treatment outcomes, reduce side effects from treatment, and lower the risk of cancer returning or spreading to secondary cancers.
Eat iron-rich foods like meat, legumes, and nuts to prevent worsening of anemia caused by CLL.

If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Talk with your oncologist about how much is safe for you.

3. Get Enough Sleep and Rest

Some members of MyLeukemiaTeam have asked, “Does CLL make you tired?” The answer is often yes, and poor sleep quality is a common concern for people with CLL. People with cancer can experience sleep disturbances or insomnia from a range of causes, including anxiety, pain, night sweats, or the side effects of radiation, chemotherapy, or medications. Losing sleep can impair your health and quality of life.

Good sleep hygiene can help you sleep better. Try these strategies:

Keep your bedroom cool, with a fan nearby in case you need it.
Sleep at similar times each day.
Avoid watching TV and looking at your phone or other screens at bedtime, because light from screens can disturb sleep.
Don’t go to bed if you’re either hungry or too full.
Sleep on a soft towel if you get night sweats.

If you’re experiencing daytime tiredness, make time to rest. Don’t feel guilty about napping when you need it. Quality sleep can improve your physical and mental health, support your immune system, and reduce stress.

4. Stay Positive and Manage Stress

A positive outlook can help you minimize stress and build resilience. It’s normal to have negative thoughts sometimes, and a diagnosis of CLL can cause anxiety and depression. To help you manage stress and maintain a positive attitude despite a cancer diagnosis, you can take steps like the following:

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by focusing on what you’re thankful for, such as time with friends and family.
Do activities you enjoy, like reading, listening to music, or watching upbeat shows.
Spend time in nature to recharge and refresh your outlook.
Find meaning outside yourself, perhaps through volunteering or helping others.
Learn techniques for managing stress, such as mindfulness training, yoga, or tai chi.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you need help managing stress. You can get a referral for mental health counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy.

5. Stick to Your Treatment Plan

It’s essential to maintain your treatment plan. Attend all follow-up and monitoring appointments. If you have any other health conditions, keep them under control as much as possible. Untreated comorbidities (co-occurring health conditions) can affect your CLL treatment options and outcome. If you’re concerned about sticking to your treatment plan, talk to your healthcare team for support.

6. Avoid Infections

People with CLL may find that they get sick more than usual. One member of MyLeukemiaTeam asked, “Does CLL make you immunocompromised?” In fact, both CLL and its treatments can weaken the immune system. This increases the risk of infections, which can become serious or even life-threatening. The longer you have CLL, the more that risk may rise.

The following strategies can help you avoid infections and stay healthy:

Wash your hands carefully and often.
Keep up to date with appropriate vaccines, particularly flu and pneumonia vaccines.
Consider COVID-19 pre-exposure protection. Some immunocompromised people may qualify for pemivibart (Pemgarda) — an additional preventive option beyond vaccination — but it requires doctor approval and isn’t right for everyone.
Check with your oncology team about the best timing for vaccines. Most people wait three months after chemotherapy and six to 12 months after anti-B-cell drugs like rituximab or obinutuzumab, but note that live vaccines are generally not recommended for people with CLL.

People with CLL are also advised to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Ask your care team about the current vaccine schedule for immunocompromised people. You may qualify for extra doses based on shared decision-making. Even though vaccination reduces your risk of infection, it’s important to take extra precautions. For example, wear a well-fitting N95 mask in crowded indoor spaces and maintain social distancing.

Get medical advice on how to lower risks if you’re thinking about attending a crowded event, especially if you’re currently in treatment. Your healthcare provider can also advise you on an appropriate vaccination schedule.

7. Talk With Loved Ones

Talking openly with family and close friends about your experience with CLL can help you get the emotional support you need. Your loved ones may not always know what to say or do, but with guidance, they can better understand what you’re going through and how to help.

Honest conversations can make it easier to express your feelings about your condition. Staying close to supportive people is also an important way to take care of yourself.

8. Connect With Others Who Have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

People with CLL can benefit from connecting with others who understand life with blood cancer. In-person support groups and online support groups, such as MyLeukemiaTeam, can provide a place to safely talk about life with CLL. Some members are veterans who have been living with CLL for 10, 20, or 30 years.

Get the best possible outcomes by sticking to your treatment plans for CLL and any other health conditions you have.

MyLeukemiaTeam members often discuss the support they receive. “We have to be faithful and rely on the support of family, friends, and this fabulous support group here,” one member wrote.

“You are not alone,” another member reminded others. “We are here to support one another.”

“With the help and support of our awesome members of MyLeukemiaTeam, we will get through this,” another member said. “Supporting each other and a positive outlook means a lot in this battle!”