• The Physical Impact of CLL

    Although there may be no obvious symptoms of CLL when it is first diagnosed, many people with CLL can experience a series of physical symptoms over time such as fatigue, weakness and stomach pain.4

    Furthermore, people living with CLL can find that the disease symptoms may not always be present and this can cause a degree of uncertainty and unpredictability.5

    These symptoms may impact seemingly easy day-to-day activities.4

    Explore resources to help manage CLL
    Poem sound_on sound_off

  • The Physical Impact of CLL

    Although there may be no obvious symptoms of CLL when it is first diagnosed, many people with CLL can experience a series of physical symptoms over time such as fatigue, weakness and stomach pain.4

    Furthermore, people living with CLL can find that the disease symptoms may not always be present and this can cause a degree of uncertainty and unpredictability.5

    These symptoms may impact seemingly easy day-to-day activities.4

    Explore resources to help manage CLL

  • The Emotional Impact of CLL

    People with CLL often go through a “watch and wait” period (also known as active surveillance) after their CLL diagnosis.6 During this time, healthcare providers closely monitor the person’s symptoms and labs prior to discussing and deciding on treatment options with them. While this is often the best course of action, some people report feeling scared, anxious or worried during this period.7

    However, the emotional impact of CLL can affect people at any stage of their disease.8 The nature of the disease and available treatment options mean those living with CLL are also immunocompromised and therefore, may be at greater risk of a severe outcome when they have an infection. People with CLL may also not receive the full benefits of a vaccine when they receive one.9

    Due to this, people with CLL must take further precautions, such as isolation or mask-wearing, which can cause feelings of loneliness and seclusion from their family and friends.10-12

    Explore resources to help manage CLL
    Poem 2 sound_on sound_off

  • The Emotional Impact of CLL

    People with CLL often go through a “watch and wait” period (also known as active surveillance) after their CLL diagnosis.6 During this time, healthcare providers closely monitor the person’s symptoms and labs prior to discussing and deciding on treatment options with them. While this is often the best course of action, some people report feeling scared, anxious or worried during this period.7

    However, the emotional impact of CLL can affect people at any stage of their disease.8 The nature of the disease and available treatment options mean those living with CLL are also immunocompromised and therefore, may be at greater risk of a severe outcome when they have an infection. People with CLL may also not receive the full benefits of a vaccine when they receive one.9

    Due to this, people with CLL must take further precautions, such as isolation or mask-wearing, which can cause feelings of loneliness and seclusion from their family and friends.10-12

    Explore resources to help manage CLL

  • The Impact of CLL on Caregivers

    Caregivers often play an important role in providing physical and emotional support for those they care for – they can schedule medical appointments, provide encouragement and assist with household chores, among many other activities.8 However, caregivers may experience challenges of their own as they balance these new responsibilities. For some, this may cause feelings of emotional distress.13

    Additionally, caregivers often play a key role in researching and gathering information, for their own benefit as well as for those they are supporting. There is often a wealth of information available. Information can also move very quickly and be difficult to keep up with. Challenges may include feeling overwhelmed and having trouble finding the most accurate and up-to-date resources for loved ones.13

    Explore helpful CLL resources
    Poem 3 sound_on sound_off

  • The Impact of CLL on Caregivers

    Caregivers often play an important role in providing physical and emotional support for those they care for – they can schedule medical appointments, provide encouragement and assist with household chores, among many other activities.8 However, caregivers may experience challenges of their own as they balance these new responsibilities. For some, this may cause feelings of emotional distress.13

    Additionally, caregivers often play a key role in researching and gathering information, for their own benefit as well as for those they are supporting. There is often a wealth of information available. Information can also move very quickly and be difficult to keep up with. Challenges may include feeling overwhelmed and having trouble finding the most accurate and up-to-date resources for loved ones.13

    Explore helpful CLL resources

References

  1. Cancer.Net. Leukemia – chronic lymphocytic – CLL: symptoms and signs. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/leukemia-chronic-lymphocytic-cll/symptoms-and-signs. Accessed January 2023. 
  2. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Anxiety and depression. https://www.lls.org/treatment/managing-side-effects/anxiety-and-depression. Accessed January 2023.
  3. Cancer.Net. Living with cancer while receiving long-term treatment. https://www.cancer.net/survivorship/living-with-cancer-while-receiving-long-term-treatment. Accessed January 2023. 
  4. National Cancer Institute. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment (PDQ®) – patient version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/patient/cll-treatment-pdq. Accessed January 2023. 
  5. Bell R. Developing a Clinical Program Based on the Needs of Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic
    Leukemia: Preparing for Illness Episodes. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2017;8(5):462-473.
  6. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Watch and wait. https://www.lls.org/leukemia/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia/treatment/watch-and-wait. Accessed January 2023. 
  7. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Watch and wait fast facts. https://www.lls.org/sites/default/files/National/USA/Pdf/Publications/FF2_Watch%20and%20Wait_Fast_Facts.pdf. Accessed January 2023. 
  8. Cancer.Net. Chronic lymphocytic – CLL: coping with treatment. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/leukemia-chronic-lymphocytic-cll/coping-side-effects. Accessed January 2023. 
  9. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. COVID-19 Vaccines FAQ for Patients and Caregivers. https://www.lls.org/who-we-are/covid-19-vaccines-faq-patients-and-caregivers#covid-19-vaccination-for-blood-cancer-patients-and-survivors. Accessed January 2023. 
  10. Koffman B, Mato A, Byrd JC, et al. Management of CLL patients early in the COVID-19 pandemic: An international survey of CLL experts. Am J Hematol. 2020;95(8):E199-E203. doi:10.1002/ajh.25851.
  11. Brook R. Study from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Shows COVID-19 Vaccine is Safe but 25% Of Blood Cancer Patients Do Not Produce Detectable Antibodies. https://www.lls.org/news/study-leukemia-lymphoma-society-shows-covid-19-vaccine-safe-25-blood-cancer-patients-do-not. Accessed January 2023. 
  12. Anthony Nolan. Preparing for Hospital Isolation. https://www.anthonynolan.org/sites/default/files/2021-12/2748PA_Preparing_for_Hospital_Isolation_e-booklet.pdf. Accessed January 2023. 
  13. National Cancer Institute. Informal caregivers in cancer: roles, burden, and support (PDQ®) – health professional version. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/family-friends/family-caregivers-hp-pdq#_218_toc. Accessed January 2023.