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Related Diseases
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) shares some similar features and symptoms with other closely related types of leukemia.
Complications of CLL or CLL Treatment
InfectionPeople with CLL are more likely to get infections.
Eva
In 2014, as a 19-year-old sophomore in college, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). After two years of suffering from a mystery illness, I finally had answers; my itchy feet, night sweats, frequent infections, and shooting pain all snapped into place with a cancer diagnosis. I called all of my closest friends and packed my bags. I’d moved 3,000 miles for college, and traveled all the way back home — Los Angeles to Boston — for treatment. Next up would be six months of ABVD chemotherapy, known to be very effective and very unpleasant.
Randall
I am a 36-year survivor of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In 1987, I went through six months of chemo, had one month off, then went through 25 straight days of radiation. It is an amazing story, one which I may write about when I retire in about 12-16 months.
My son wasn't even two yet when I started treatments. Today he is 38 and has the two cutest, little girls a “Poppop” could ask for. After the chemo, they told me there was a 70% chance I'd be sterile from the treatment. We found out my wife was pregnant in December 1989. My daughter was born in August 1990.
Cristina
My story begins in October of 2018. I had recently graduated from college, moved away from home for the first time, settled into my own apartment, and started a full-time job. I felt like I was on the verge of greatness with all of these new and exciting beginnings in my life. I didn't know that I was about to have another massive beginning... the beginning of my battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I was sitting at a cancer fundraiser dinner, anxiously twirling the spaghetti on my plate. I had a gut wrenching feeling in my chest that something was wrong.
Alison
My story began in the summer of 2012. My cancer-fighting hero, who happens to be my father in law, Dave Warner, was diagnosed that July. Not only is he my father in law, but I call him Dad, because that is exactly what he is. In June 2012, Dad started to notice a large lymph node that was swollen in his groin. My immediate reaction was “Go to the doctor and get antibiotics. I'm sure it's just an infected lymph node that amoxicillin can clear up! Right??” Wrong. Never did I expect the next step to be a biopsy to see if it was cance
Lisa
As a new graduate with a master’s degree in psychology, I, among many others, am applying to jobs out in the 'real world.' Recently, one of the job applications asked me to describe myself in three words. My answer consisted of adjectives such as determined, capable and diligent. The one word that best describes me though is one I did not say, and that is survivor.
Emad
After six weeks of experiencing excruciating pain, I was diagnosed with enlarged B-cell stage 4 gastric lymphoma in July 2016. My oncologist in Tarzana, CA was connected to a lead doctor in City of Hope and that COH doctor advised her to send my biopsy for further testing to see if it was double mutated. The test results came positive and my cancer cells had double mutated. This meant that my body would’ve not responded to regular chemotherapy of one day every three weeks.
Cathy
I had blood cancer and for that, I’m lucky. I’m not being facetious, I really believe I’m lucky. The doctors told me that Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is highly treatable and this is the cancer to have if you’re going to get cancer. But that’s not the only reason why I’m lucky. The very first philanthropic effort that I did with my BFF was when we were 17 years old and allowed to donate blood. This is one of the first times I realized I was lucky. By giving blood I could give the gift of life. It’s something I also had in common with my husband who is an avid blood donor.
Janet
My caregiver journey began in 2005, when my husband found a lump on his neck and was diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After being admitted to the hospital for nine rounds of chemotherapy, he went into remission.
Jeff & Melanie
My wife, Melanie and I had always been pretty healthy. We exercised, tried to eat right and discovered the value of meditation. But things changed in 2018.
Melanie had developed a cough that just wouldn't go away. She had it for months. And then she discovered a lump near her collarbone. Tests revealed on Sept. 6, 2018, that the lump was Hodgkin lymphoma and it was present in several other lymph nodes. She began a months-long treatment regimen of chemotherapy and radiation. It wasn't easy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses X-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is sometimes used to treat a person with CLL who has an enlarged (swollen) lymph node, spleen, or other organ that is blocking the function of a neighboring body part, such as the kidney or the throat.
Joshua
My name is Joshua. I was born and raised in South Florida and moved to Oregon after high school 8 years ago. I can’t say that I had a difficult childhood growing up just difficult circumstances that were challenges to overcome. I am what most people would consider an introverted type of personality, and while I was raised in a home with very caring parents and sisters, I’ve just always found it difficult to fit in, especially once I got to high school. I’m tall, at almost 6 feet, and very smart, always in advanced placement classes.
Follow-Up Care
Find more information about follow-up care, including what to expect, long-term and late effects of treatment, survivorship clinics, and other resources, such as The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment guidelines.
Relapsed and Refractory
Some patients' cancer returns after a successful course of treatment. This is called a relapse.
Some patients' cancer does not respond to treatment. This is called refractory chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).
If you have relapsed or refractory CMML, talk with your doctor about whether taking part in a clinical trial may be a good option for you.
Mackenzie
I am a recipient of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 2022-2023 Dreamers and Doers Scholarship for Blood Cancer Survivors.
I was initially diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at age 4, and after a successful two years of treatment, I went into remission. Unfortunately, at age 8, I relapsed. I am now 19 years old and a sophomore at McDaniel College. I am majoring in biology. I’m also a part of the honors program, and I play NCAA Division III Tennis.
Cory
I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in February 2022. I'm an avid skateboarder, artist, and assistant chef. All this past year, I underwent chemotherapy every two weeks, and one year later, I am now cancer-free.
I’m looking to use my gift and help others now. I've started a project called "canvas4cancer" to offer detailed art pieces, art therapy, and classes, along with other related goals, all non-profit. Any proceeds go toward the purchase of more canvases for patients!
Lily
Hello, my name is Lily and I am 14 years old. In November of 2022, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). At the beginning, I was completely shocked because there was no sign that anything was wrong with my health. It was the hardest news I’ve ever heard in my life. The only thing that I was worried about was if I was going to die or if I was going to lose my hair I am now 2 cycles into my chemotherapy.
Jonathan
It was July of last year, I had a cold I was getting over and thought I had a sinus infection. I went to an ENT who told me everything was okay. Days later I had swelling in my gums and went to a dentist. They took two X-rays and didn't like what they saw and sent me to an oral surgeon. He did a CAT scan and saw major bone loss. He proceeded to do a biopsy, and days later I had cancer. It turned out to be large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The pathology took a long time, and I was literally dying waiting to get treatment. It was aggressive and stage 4. Life-changing.
David
My name is David, and I am a personal trainer/sports performance coach. I have had the privilege of working with youth athlete Zac in the gym for the past couple of years. Last year Zac was diagnosed with leukemia, which was very heartbreaking for me to hear. However, I have been extremely touched and inspired by Zac and his fighting mentality and positive spirit as he has battled cancer. He has made it a priority to continue exercising while fighting something greater than himself.
Doug
In July 2014, my defibrillator fired while I was at a diner. Upon testing at the hospital I found out I have acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Much to my surprise, it was discovered by a simple blood test.
Joyce
We have been involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) since Steve's diagnosis with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in May of 2002. Steve's CML continues to be successfully treated with a drug called Gleevec, which was funded in part by LLS. This year we celebrated his 15 years of remission from CML by taking a trip to Florida with family. Thank God for survivorship AND cancer research!