CLL

2

Comments

  • tf168wife
    tf168wife Member Posts: 21

    I was told that I have CLL
    I was told that I have CLL this past Febuary and have gone through 8 chemo treatments so far. The doctor is very happy with the way my blood count is going back to normal. I have read that with this leukemia it will alwys be there is that true. Also due to the cost of my medical insursance, I pay for Cobra now i need to find some place to help cover the cost of this.

    CLL
    HI! I was also recently diagnosed with CLL, although stage 1, so no treatment for me yet. I have also heard that this leukemia cannot be cured, but it can be put into remission. So, we pray for that. It is good therapy, at least for me, to network with others who are going through the same thing. So, hope to hear from you again!
  • jas1965
    jas1965 Member Posts: 6
    tf168wife said:

    CLL
    HI! I was also recently diagnosed with CLL, although stage 1, so no treatment for me yet. I have also heard that this leukemia cannot be cured, but it can be put into remission. So, we pray for that. It is good therapy, at least for me, to network with others who are going through the same thing. So, hope to hear from you again!

    CLL
    Hello all - I am new to the group, but not to the CLL.
    Things were good for the last 2 years and now its back.
    They are going to put me on a drug call Campath.
    Did not know if anyone has heard of this before.
    It is one thing to search the web, you can always
    find something good about a drug. Its another thing
    to speak with someone that has had it.

    Thanks in advance

    JAS
  • cooksey23
    cooksey23 Member Posts: 2
    Keep the faith
    In April 2007, I found out I had Prostate cancer. Had the prostate removed in June of 2007.
    Clean since. But, when I went for my first blood test after the cancer was removed--my white count started to go up. I found out I had CLL not long after that.No problems until Sept. 2009. I started to have vision problems, more in my left eye than my right. Going through many tests with my eye doctor, we could not figure out the problem. In early Dec. 2009 I found out the white cells attacked the muscles behind my eyes and started to push my eyes outward. Went through 15 treatments of radation to the temples. That solved the problem for about 7 months. After that I started chemo. I have been through four rounds(Dec-Jan-Feb_Mar 2011). The rituxan on my first day would take all the energy from me and I was very tired through the process. I did fine during the first three sessions, just tired.
    The fourth session I was not only tired, the nausea came into play. I am four weeks from my last treatment and getting all my energy back. I go through a spinal tap next week to see if the cll is present in the fluid.

    I feel the most important thing is a positive mind and your faith. Don't let it stop you from doing anything. No matter what. You are stronger.

    A liitle about me, I am 52 years old, I have boy-girl twins that are 6 years old and a grandson that is two. You are stronger.

    God Bless
    Willie Teague
    cooksey23@cox.net
  • cattycatty
    cattycatty Member Posts: 1
    cooksey23 said:

    Keep the faith
    In April 2007, I found out I had Prostate cancer. Had the prostate removed in June of 2007.
    Clean since. But, when I went for my first blood test after the cancer was removed--my white count started to go up. I found out I had CLL not long after that.No problems until Sept. 2009. I started to have vision problems, more in my left eye than my right. Going through many tests with my eye doctor, we could not figure out the problem. In early Dec. 2009 I found out the white cells attacked the muscles behind my eyes and started to push my eyes outward. Went through 15 treatments of radation to the temples. That solved the problem for about 7 months. After that I started chemo. I have been through four rounds(Dec-Jan-Feb_Mar 2011). The rituxan on my first day would take all the energy from me and I was very tired through the process. I did fine during the first three sessions, just tired.
    The fourth session I was not only tired, the nausea came into play. I am four weeks from my last treatment and getting all my energy back. I go through a spinal tap next week to see if the cll is present in the fluid.

    I feel the most important thing is a positive mind and your faith. Don't let it stop you from doing anything. No matter what. You are stronger.

    A liitle about me, I am 52 years old, I have boy-girl twins that are 6 years old and a grandson that is two. You are stronger.

    God Bless
    Willie Teague
    cooksey23@cox.net

    cll newbie
    hi all. i am the wife of a 51year old diagnosed yestersday with cll. he is experienceing fatigue early in the day, and has night sweats. i don't know what else to tell you. he has been told he has the short stcik, young adn short prognosis. i guess i am asking what to expect. i want to help him in whatevr way i can, but i dont want to baby him. i am so upset my typng sucks. sorry. i want to help him. and my children 18 and 21.

    we have to wait 6 months for the specialist to tell us what stage it is....

    anything. anything. thanks.
  • peachy1
    peachy1 Member Posts: 1

    cll newbie
    hi all. i am the wife of a 51year old diagnosed yestersday with cll. he is experienceing fatigue early in the day, and has night sweats. i don't know what else to tell you. he has been told he has the short stcik, young adn short prognosis. i guess i am asking what to expect. i want to help him in whatevr way i can, but i dont want to baby him. i am so upset my typng sucks. sorry. i want to help him. and my children 18 and 21.

    we have to wait 6 months for the specialist to tell us what stage it is....

    anything. anything. thanks.

    Just breathe
    Six month for staging sounds...unusual. Insist on a FISH panel.

    My mom was diagnosed stage IV in November 2010...started chemo in May and has one more chemo left to go...her numbers are now normal and she is doing well.

    You don't know where he is in this yet...just see where you are and hang on...he may just be in a very early watch and wait and you may not have to do anything to treat this for years...

    The first thing you need to do is find a hematologist that is very very familiar with CLL, preferably into research, or find a doctor willing to consult with a CLL expert...perhaps Dr. John Byrd at Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital or for example, another at MD Anderson in Texas ...just throwing those out because I know OSU does consults with other doctors if they request it and they and MD Anderson are two of the big CLL treatment experts/researchers in the country. I am going to give you the number for Ohio State University's James Cancer Center...I get that you may not be close enough to use them but call this number and ask to speak to a nurse on the James Cancer line...tell her your husband's situation and she will answer the basic questions, plus perhaps can help connect you with the very best people in your area. Number is 1-800-293-5066, ask to talk with someone that can give you CLL information and a possible help with a referral...if they don't know of someone, have them call Dr. John Byrd's office at OSU and ask him for a referral for someone in your area. Byrd is one of the top CLL researchers anywhere.

    Another place to go to ask questions and be helped with referrals is the LLS (Lymphoma and Leukemia Society)...excellent help here:

    1-800-955-4572

    Tell them your situation and just talk...they know their stuff and have helped me a time or two in knowing what to expect.

    You hang in there. Sending you strength and hoping these resources help.
  • haposwald
    haposwald Member Posts: 2
    peachy1 said:

    Just breathe
    Six month for staging sounds...unusual. Insist on a FISH panel.

    My mom was diagnosed stage IV in November 2010...started chemo in May and has one more chemo left to go...her numbers are now normal and she is doing well.

    You don't know where he is in this yet...just see where you are and hang on...he may just be in a very early watch and wait and you may not have to do anything to treat this for years...

    The first thing you need to do is find a hematologist that is very very familiar with CLL, preferably into research, or find a doctor willing to consult with a CLL expert...perhaps Dr. John Byrd at Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital or for example, another at MD Anderson in Texas ...just throwing those out because I know OSU does consults with other doctors if they request it and they and MD Anderson are two of the big CLL treatment experts/researchers in the country. I am going to give you the number for Ohio State University's James Cancer Center...I get that you may not be close enough to use them but call this number and ask to speak to a nurse on the James Cancer line...tell her your husband's situation and she will answer the basic questions, plus perhaps can help connect you with the very best people in your area. Number is 1-800-293-5066, ask to talk with someone that can give you CLL information and a possible help with a referral...if they don't know of someone, have them call Dr. John Byrd's office at OSU and ask him for a referral for someone in your area. Byrd is one of the top CLL researchers anywhere.

    Another place to go to ask questions and be helped with referrals is the LLS (Lymphoma and Leukemia Society)...excellent help here:

    1-800-955-4572

    Tell them your situation and just talk...they know their stuff and have helped me a time or two in knowing what to expect.

    You hang in there. Sending you strength and hoping these resources help.

    Chemo questions and just wondering
    Hello eveyone, I wes diagnosed in 06 will CLL both lukemia and Lymphoma. Stage 4 with a watch and wait treatment plan,btw never made me feel good to watch and wait as I am a pretty aggressive go get them kind of 49 year old husband,father and gradfather. Now five years in I have had spleen enlargement to 14cm with constant stomach pain with increasing intescity daily and edema in both legs. My oncolosgist says it's now time to pull the trigger and start Chemo. I am 6ft 240lb causaion male and honestly wondering what I can expect for Rituxan,Cytoxan chemo thrapy. I don't see my oncologist for 2 months and thats the time I'm starting Chemo. What can I expect,what can I look forward for good and bad.......... any and all would be greatly appreceiated thanks
  • gonegolfing
    gonegolfing Member Posts: 2
    SandeeG said:

    Stage 1 CLL
    Hi. I'm new to the site. I have Stage 1 CLL and just last week found out that my count has gone to 20,000 from 12,000 just last July when I was diagnosed. I just want to meet people who are in the same boat as I am and feel like I am not alone. I've kind of given up hope that I will live very long and need help getting past that. From what I read, I will be lucky to live 15 years and I am only 48. Any reply would be appreciated.

    cll
    Was diagnosed Oct 2009 white cells were 16000,in Oct 2011 white cell at 51000 doc.said I would start chemo at 70000 since I have no other symptoms I went to another doc for another opinion doc said there are other factors to consider blood platelets very important also my point is to be proactive and find out as much info as possible.I am 68 and am wishing you many blessings.
  • sdeangelo
    sdeangelo Member Posts: 2

    cll
    Was diagnosed Oct 2009 white cells were 16000,in Oct 2011 white cell at 51000 doc.said I would start chemo at 70000 since I have no other symptoms I went to another doc for another opinion doc said there are other factors to consider blood platelets very important also my point is to be proactive and find out as much info as possible.I am 68 and am wishing you many blessings.

    CLL
    I was diagnosed at the age of 47. Now, 3yrs later I'm at stage 3 with WBC at 76K and anemia. I had a bone marrow test last summer which confirmed the CLL but was inconclusive about other things going on with my red blood cells. I feel pretty good overall however, I do get tired a lot. I have a feeling that some kind of treatment is around the corner and I'm feeling very apprehensive about it. Does anyone have any advice for me?
  • jhartje
    jhartje Member Posts: 2

    cll newbie
    hi all. i am the wife of a 51year old diagnosed yestersday with cll. he is experienceing fatigue early in the day, and has night sweats. i don't know what else to tell you. he has been told he has the short stcik, young adn short prognosis. i guess i am asking what to expect. i want to help him in whatevr way i can, but i dont want to baby him. i am so upset my typng sucks. sorry. i want to help him. and my children 18 and 21.

    we have to wait 6 months for the specialist to tell us what stage it is....

    anything. anything. thanks.

    Watchful waiting
    I am a 67 year old male with newly diagnosed CLL and in watchful waiting (Stage 0). Previous experiences with cancer are Melanoma (sucessfully removed) and Prostate (radical excision, clean for 13 years). In both cases, I had immediate options and exercised them, without regret. Now I am being told there's nothing to do. However, I cannot do nothing. I have read that a Mayo Clinc study on Green Tea Extract has shown promise in killing the cancer cells of CLL. I have also read about diet changes to more plant based and I have adopted that wholeheartedly. My queston to CLL survivors is: does anyone have experience with alternatives and what else can I do?

    Thanks.
  • haposwald
    haposwald Member Posts: 2
    jhartje said:

    Watchful waiting
    I am a 67 year old male with newly diagnosed CLL and in watchful waiting (Stage 0). Previous experiences with cancer are Melanoma (sucessfully removed) and Prostate (radical excision, clean for 13 years). In both cases, I had immediate options and exercised them, without regret. Now I am being told there's nothing to do. However, I cannot do nothing. I have read that a Mayo Clinc study on Green Tea Extract has shown promise in killing the cancer cells of CLL. I have also read about diet changes to more plant based and I have adopted that wholeheartedly. My queston to CLL survivors is: does anyone have experience with alternatives and what else can I do?

    Thanks.

    Not Waiting but still watchful
    My last post did'nt get any replies and since have had my Gall Bladder removed. Feel great besides the fatigue. I have changed diet to a much more greener diet and started taking a bunch of supplements to help stengthen immune system and reduce WBC. My oncologist has stated that CHEMO would start around 200K wbc. I had been hovering around 120K. Now with taking L-arginine,Hemp protein powder,and Zeollite my WBC has been around 19K quite a drop . In the supplement area taking b-12,Coq10,vit C,NK-3,vit D3 and a herbalmedicine Lyphatonic. Still suffering from fatigue and edema in the lower legs, but I feel I have kicked Cancers **** for the time being and I don't give it much thought just keep moving forward as I as well have kids a wife and a grandson. So to you Jhartje and others looking stay focused and positive and keep your faith close @ hand as I do daily along with the supplements ..............Hap

    PS make sure to check with your oncologist as we are all different what I am doing is working for me so I hope that you find something that does the same for you !
  • mrb
    mrb Member Posts: 4
    haposwald said:

    Not Waiting but still watchful
    My last post did'nt get any replies and since have had my Gall Bladder removed. Feel great besides the fatigue. I have changed diet to a much more greener diet and started taking a bunch of supplements to help stengthen immune system and reduce WBC. My oncologist has stated that CHEMO would start around 200K wbc. I had been hovering around 120K. Now with taking L-arginine,Hemp protein powder,and Zeollite my WBC has been around 19K quite a drop . In the supplement area taking b-12,Coq10,vit C,NK-3,vit D3 and a herbalmedicine Lyphatonic. Still suffering from fatigue and edema in the lower legs, but I feel I have kicked Cancers **** for the time being and I don't give it much thought just keep moving forward as I as well have kids a wife and a grandson. So to you Jhartje and others looking stay focused and positive and keep your faith close @ hand as I do daily along with the supplements ..............Hap

    PS make sure to check with your oncologist as we are all different what I am doing is working for me so I hope that you find something that does the same for you !

    Thx Hap
    Thank you for the tips and sharing your information. I will start chemo next week. I'm not nearly as informed about my condition as you. I think I will ask for that info at my next meeting. I do know my platelet count is 57 and my spleen is enlarged. 21something was the size. I do have an extra problem that I will share. I was suppose to start chemo 5 weeks ago but it was discovered that I have TB also. It is latent but as soon as the chemo starts, the Tuberculosis will become active and very contagious. I will probably start a thread on this site talking about it. I don't imagine that too many people have this particular problem so I thought I might share (just as you have) incase someone down the road comes up with the same situation. Again, thank you for sharing. I will start looking at a change in my diet now. Mike
  • jhartje
    jhartje Member Posts: 2
    haposwald said:

    Not Waiting but still watchful
    My last post did'nt get any replies and since have had my Gall Bladder removed. Feel great besides the fatigue. I have changed diet to a much more greener diet and started taking a bunch of supplements to help stengthen immune system and reduce WBC. My oncologist has stated that CHEMO would start around 200K wbc. I had been hovering around 120K. Now with taking L-arginine,Hemp protein powder,and Zeollite my WBC has been around 19K quite a drop . In the supplement area taking b-12,Coq10,vit C,NK-3,vit D3 and a herbalmedicine Lyphatonic. Still suffering from fatigue and edema in the lower legs, but I feel I have kicked Cancers **** for the time being and I don't give it much thought just keep moving forward as I as well have kids a wife and a grandson. So to you Jhartje and others looking stay focused and positive and keep your faith close @ hand as I do daily along with the supplements ..............Hap

    PS make sure to check with your oncologist as we are all different what I am doing is working for me so I hope that you find something that does the same for you !

    More Questions
    Thanks, Hap, for your response. It is really great information and I'm really encouraged by the drop in your WBC. While my WBC is still around 15K, I don't want to wait until I start doing something about it. Was your gall bladder removal as a result of the CLL? Are you seeing a naturopath or an integrative oncologist? Did they prescribe the herbals and vitamins you're taking? Or, did you find that combo on your own? As I stated, I've BEATEN cancer twice before. I'm going to beat this one too! Jim
  • runabe
    runabe Member Posts: 48
    jhartje said:

    More Questions
    Thanks, Hap, for your response. It is really great information and I'm really encouraged by the drop in your WBC. While my WBC is still around 15K, I don't want to wait until I start doing something about it. Was your gall bladder removal as a result of the CLL? Are you seeing a naturopath or an integrative oncologist? Did they prescribe the herbals and vitamins you're taking? Or, did you find that combo on your own? As I stated, I've BEATEN cancer twice before. I'm going to beat this one too! Jim

    HI ALL
    My name is Abe and i have CLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Was diagnosed about 8 months ago Swelling in my groin nodes and neck nodes was VERY NOTICABLE Just compleated round 2 of cemo Rutixin ans Bedamustin are the drugs of choise Got a VERY BAD rash from the bedamustin had to have it treated with a skin doctor Could not do rutixin first cemo white blood count was to high 250k+ With first round of kemo knocked white blood count to 3300 Have lost a lot of weight about 17 lbs only weigh now 156 I was not that big to start with
    Please get back to me and tell me long time reactions to this cemo I still have 6 more treatments over the next 6 months

    Thanks for letting me speak
    Abe
  • Highlander56
    Highlander56 Member Posts: 16
    A Positive Thought:
    I was dignosed with CLL in 09-91. This after two bouts of Hodgkins Lymphoma. In 06-96, the CLL went into remission.

    I wish you well,

    Regards, Glen
  • haposwald said:

    Not Waiting but still watchful
    My last post did'nt get any replies and since have had my Gall Bladder removed. Feel great besides the fatigue. I have changed diet to a much more greener diet and started taking a bunch of supplements to help stengthen immune system and reduce WBC. My oncologist has stated that CHEMO would start around 200K wbc. I had been hovering around 120K. Now with taking L-arginine,Hemp protein powder,and Zeollite my WBC has been around 19K quite a drop . In the supplement area taking b-12,Coq10,vit C,NK-3,vit D3 and a herbalmedicine Lyphatonic. Still suffering from fatigue and edema in the lower legs, but I feel I have kicked Cancers **** for the time being and I don't give it much thought just keep moving forward as I as well have kids a wife and a grandson. So to you Jhartje and others looking stay focused and positive and keep your faith close @ hand as I do daily along with the supplements ..............Hap

    PS make sure to check with your oncologist as we are all different what I am doing is working for me so I hope that you find something that does the same for you !

    waitng
    I have just joined th forum so I am just learning to get around. while in the hospital following a heart attack;I was diagnosied with CLL and also diabetes.All went well for a couple of months until my wbc went way down..so comes 6 treatments of chem..no real side effects,so that was good.I am so far still in remission,and grateful for this.Then in Feb. of this year they diagnosed me as having Myelo fibrosis. This goes up and down .I had to have several units of blood ,as My hemoglobin was critcally low...Since then my rb count started going down but after starting some vitamins it has gone up each of last two tests...due next week to see where i stand...trouble is I am confused....I don't know if one is related to another...and so i feel my life is just in limbo.As many of you know fatique and general malaise make life less fun and hard to have jobs and such..and of course any relationships suffer.I am single and although it is lonely, I do not wish any until I know what lies ahead.But haos is right a positive attitude lies as the foundation of our well being.
    All have a grand day,
    rob
  • flyinglark
    flyinglark Member Posts: 1

    cll
    Was diagnosed Oct 2009 white cells were 16000,in Oct 2011 white cell at 51000 doc.said I would start chemo at 70000 since I have no other symptoms I went to another doc for another opinion doc said there are other factors to consider blood platelets very important also my point is to be proactive and find out as much info as possible.I am 68 and am wishing you many blessings.

    cll
    i was diagnoed in august 2012 and i go in next month for my next blood test. my doctor said not to worry but nonsense. wish you nothing but the best
  • srb1956
    srb1956 Member Posts: 7
    1999
    I was diagnosed in 1999 stage III. 6 months of chemo...cytoxan, fladuribine, rituxameb...went into remission and have been there ever since. I visit my oncologist once a year for blood work...completely normal so far.

    I suggest you look up the latest at MD Anderson. They have a list of eight (I think) cancers they expect to have a cure for within the next several years. CLL is on the list.
  • spazzzz
    spazzzz Member Posts: 1
    haposwald said:

    Chemo questions and just wondering
    Hello eveyone, I wes diagnosed in 06 will CLL both lukemia and Lymphoma. Stage 4 with a watch and wait treatment plan,btw never made me feel good to watch and wait as I am a pretty aggressive go get them kind of 49 year old husband,father and gradfather. Now five years in I have had spleen enlargement to 14cm with constant stomach pain with increasing intescity daily and edema in both legs. My oncolosgist says it's now time to pull the trigger and start Chemo. I am 6ft 240lb causaion male and honestly wondering what I can expect for Rituxan,Cytoxan chemo thrapy. I don't see my oncologist for 2 months and thats the time I'm starting Chemo. What can I expect,what can I look forward for good and bad.......... any and all would be greatly appreceiated thanks

    Hi! I'm at stage 4 and I did
    Hi! I'm at stage 4 and I did 28 weeks of campath chemo. I am waiting on an alergenic stem cell transplant. Well not sure if the chemo will be the same kind for you but it just about took me to be honest. I'm 5'11" and at my max I was 205lbs and took me to 123lbs and I have just gotten back up to 155 lbs. It's been a year now and I am still dealing with it one step at a time. A good supportive and loving team is VERY important. I'm a single man with no family and very few friends and a 2 yr old son. I went from being a healthy "normal" man to not being able to function..walking cleaning working etc just daily occurrences would wear me out for days. Being sick was just awful. Being alone with nobody to talk to or that has ever experienced anything like this made me feel like giving up. Don't give up and make sure you have people behind you to give you that push when you need it. I since have met an amazing woman who has gone through this as her mother and younger brother both passed from this. She helps me push on and encouraged me to come here to speak to others that can somewhat understand what I'm going through.
  • misujlh
    misujlh Member Posts: 5
    haposwald said:

    Chemo questions and just wondering
    Hello eveyone, I wes diagnosed in 06 will CLL both lukemia and Lymphoma. Stage 4 with a watch and wait treatment plan,btw never made me feel good to watch and wait as I am a pretty aggressive go get them kind of 49 year old husband,father and gradfather. Now five years in I have had spleen enlargement to 14cm with constant stomach pain with increasing intescity daily and edema in both legs. My oncolosgist says it's now time to pull the trigger and start Chemo. I am 6ft 240lb causaion male and honestly wondering what I can expect for Rituxan,Cytoxan chemo thrapy. I don't see my oncologist for 2 months and thats the time I'm starting Chemo. What can I expect,what can I look forward for good and bad.......... any and all would be greatly appreceiated thanks

    CLL both lukemia and Lymphoma
    I also have both CLL and follicular Lymphoma how are you doing I found out in march this year 2012 having 2 kinds causes double worry as how do the 2 work together
  • nharmon
    nharmon Member Posts: 2
    jhartje said:

    Watchful waiting
    I am a 67 year old male with newly diagnosed CLL and in watchful waiting (Stage 0). Previous experiences with cancer are Melanoma (sucessfully removed) and Prostate (radical excision, clean for 13 years). In both cases, I had immediate options and exercised them, without regret. Now I am being told there's nothing to do. However, I cannot do nothing. I have read that a Mayo Clinc study on Green Tea Extract has shown promise in killing the cancer cells of CLL. I have also read about diet changes to more plant based and I have adopted that wholeheartedly. My queston to CLL survivors is: does anyone have experience with alternatives and what else can I do?

    Thanks.

    I am 62, diagnosed 11 years ago with white count at 31k

    Did nothing for first 5 years, then in 2006, doc put me on a pill called leukeran - this brought the white count down from near 80k to 20k  - acceptable and without side effects.  Then pill stopped working in 2011, lymph nodes very enlarged, spleen enlarged, white count month by month higher to over 100k, where end of 2011, I had to forget the pill and go on the standard 1st line defense with the 3 chemo drugs -
    Cytoxan and Fludarabine and Rituxan  (commonly called CFR).  Before the chemo I felt like crap - light headed, weak, muscle pain,
    severe fatigue etc - like the flu without the cough or nose congestion.  The chemo was not bad - 3 days at the end of the month
    for 4 months ( 4 cycles as it is called)  Wednesday for 2 hours cause the rituxan is a larger bag takes longer to drip, while other 2 drugs drip in 30 minutes, Thursday only for the 30 minutes for the 2 drugs to drip simultaneously and Friday same thing - only got the rituxan on wednesday -  all at my docs office in a recliner -  Come back in 4 weeks, do it again ---Each 3 day treatment cost $5000 where my insurance paid about $4000.

    I think there are places you could go if you don't have insurance and prove you need assistance.
    Had to sleep much of the week-end each time cause it does make you real tired.

    Right away, after the first 3 day treatment,  it immediately worked -  did the next 3 months so it would continue to work and hopefully put it in remission for at least a few years before you need it again - Mine only worked for a year -
    Now 13 months since chemo its all back and lymph nodes glands are even larger! The glands all around my neck were becoming so 
    enlarged that 6 months after chemo, in summer of 2012,  had to low dose radiation all around neck to shrink them. 10 days of radiation on neck was hell - lost taste, lost saliva - took 3 months for taste to come back - could only eat mostly soups and wet food till saliva started to come back recently - 6 months later.
    Doc wants to do chemo again and mix in a different drug to try to shrink the swollen glands even more cause the first time they didn't shrink enough - but blood was great till now 13 months later-
    SO...   feeling like crap, and trying to stall chemo again,  I found APRICOT SEEDS.  Look them up on google. You can get them
    from many places about $30 for a 1lb bag - lasts me about a month.  I chew 10 at a time, about 5 times per day  -  about 50
    seeds total daily(have to be careful not to overdo it cause too much can cause cynanide poisoning - like 100 per day).I had to work my way up to 50 per day cause they are real bitter and too much - too quick can give me a headace -
    Anyway,  since new years,  now about 6 weeks,  my glands have shrunk dramatically,  my white count is coming down
    I'll know when I get to my next doc appoinment Feb 25 for sure,   but I feel a whole lot better and can probably put off the chemo.
    We'll see what the doc says after I get a blood reading.  I'm surprised no one else is talking about apricot seeds.

    They also say that an Indian spice called curcummin  (readily available in any health food store and most grocery stores,
    along with green tea extract (drops of green tea concentrate put in water is like 100's of cups of real green brewed tea)
    I would drink about a gallon of this green tea water all day,  then at night take capsules of curcummin -  It probably would have worked but the curcummin gave me severe stomach cramps - I have mild gaul stones and if you do, you can't take curcummin.
    This is published in American medical school journals as being very effective in specifically fighting CLL.
    I'm surprised no one talks about this either - strange.  I'm sticking with the apricot seeds and hoping for the best.