Non-Hodgkins-Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) treatment

A friend was very recently diagnosed with small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). She is in her mid-50s and otherwise very healthy.  She has seen one oncologist so far and has appointments for 2 additional opinions (one with MD Anderson). I am trying to find information for her on treatments received by others with SLL and your progress with and results of your treatments. Please share both your positive and negative experiences so that she will know what to expect/anticipate.  She does have symptoms (swelling of lymph nodes in neck causing discomfort) and recently had a biopsy of deep nodes under her arm (found enlarged in a routine mammogram a few weeks ago). The discussion board participants have made such a tremendous difference in my personal experience with lymphoma this past year, so I thank you in advance for taking the time to share!    

Comments

  • Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 Member Posts: 3,819 Member
    Friend

    Mary,

    SLL is a relatively rare NHL (around 7% of all NHL). It is indolent, or non-aggressive, and is also closely related to a form of leukemia.

    Treatments vary by staging, but commonly uses other NHL chemo combinations, or sometimes radiation in extremely mild, early stage disease.

    As with any rare cancer, it is great that she is getting second opinions at a premier cancer center.  

    max