Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Counseling

Oncology social workers help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Contact us at 800‑813‑HOPE (4673) or info@cancercare.org.
Learn more about counseling.

Resource Navigation

Learn more about how CancerCare Resource Navigation can help you address barriers to care.

Financial Assistance

Find resources and support to manage your financial concerns. Limited assistance from CancerCare^® is available to eligible families for cancer-related costs.

Support Groups

Connect with others in our free support groups led by oncology social workers.

Online

• Blood Cancers Caregiver Support Group
• Blood Cancers Patient Support Group

Community Programs

Learn about and view the full calendar of our free community programs.

Specialized Programs

CancerCare offers specialized programs to address specific populations and concerns.

Coping Circle Workshops

Virtual educational and supportive workshops led by oncology social workers and qualified co-facilitators. These workshops cover numerous topics and are offered in English and Spanish.

Connect Education Workshops

Listen in by telephone or online as leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information about cancer-related issues in one-hour workshops. Podcasts are also available.

Upcoming Workshops

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

• Updates from the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, Dec 14, 2023

General Topics

• Challenges Young Adults with Cancer Face: Coping Tips, Dec 15, 2023
• Addressing the LGBTQI+ Health Disparities Gap, Jan 19, 2024
• Understanding the Important Role that Biomarker Testing Plays in Informing the Treatment of Cancer, Feb 12, 2024

Podcasts

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

• What’s New in Precision Medicine, Jun 28, 2023
• Update on CAR T-Cell Therapies, Jun 27, 2023
• Follicular Lymphoma: Treatment Progress, Jun 14, 2023
• Adults Living with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Treatment Updates, Jun 9, 2023
• Update from the 2022 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, Dec 15, 2022
• What’s New In Precision Medicine, Nov 30, 2022
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Treatment Updates, Sep 8, 2022
• Progress in the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), May 12, 2022
• Adults Living with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Treatment Updates, May 6, 2022
• Progress in the Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), May 2, 2022
• Life with Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) Post Allogeneic Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplantation: New Treatment Approaches, Apr 28, 2022
• Adjusting to Your Blood Cancer Treatment Over Time: Challenges and Opportunities of Taking Your Treatment on Schedule, Apr 26, 2022
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Current Treatment Perspectives, Mar 24, 2022
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: What's New, Mar 17, 2022
• What’s New in Diagnostic Technologies for People Living with Blood Cancers, Jan 31, 2022
• Update from the 2021 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, Dec 16, 2021
• Transplantation as a Treatment Option for Blood Cancers, Jun 24, 2021
• Coping with the Stresses of Caregiving When Your Loved One Has Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Jun 3, 2021
• What’s New in Diagnostic Technologies for People Living with Blood Cancers, May 24, 2021
• Life with Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) Post Allogeneic Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplantation: New Treatment Approaches, May 13, 2021
• Update on CAR T-Cell Therapies, May 10, 2021
• Current Perspectives on the Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Apr 8, 2021
• Adjusting to Your Blood Cancer Treatment Over Time: Challenges and Opportunities of Taking Your Treatment on Schedule, Mar 30, 2021
• Update on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Mar 25, 2021
• Coping with the Stresses of Caregiving When Your Loved One Has Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), May 21, 2020
• Taking Your Blood Cancer Treatment on Schedule, Mar 24, 2020
• Life with CLL: Taking Charge of Your Treatment Schedule, Nov 29, 2018

General Topics

• Diverse Populations Participating in Decisions About Your Care With Your Health Care Team, Jun 28, 2023
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, Jun 26, 2023
• Addressing the LGBTQI+ Health Disparities Gap, Jun 16, 2023
• Clinical Trials: How They Transform the Treatment of Cancer, Jun 7, 2023
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Its Importance in Managing Cancer, May 24, 2023
• Update on COVID for People Living with Cancer & Their Caregivers, May 22, 2023
• Understanding How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment and Care: With Tips and Strategies to Find the Best Cancer Treatment and Health Care Team for You, May 15, 2023
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, May 2, 2023
• Caring for Your Loved One with Cancer, Apr 3, 2023
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, Jan 23, 2023
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Its Importance in Managing Cancer, Nov 9, 2022
• Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Aug 22, 2022
• Chemotherapy Treatment Side Effects: Prevention & Management, Jun 10, 2022
• Diverse Populations Participating in Decisions about Your Care with Your Health Care Team, May 23, 2022
• Clinical Trials: How They Transform the Treatment of Cancer, May 18, 2022
• What’s New in Precision Medicine, May 11, 2022
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Why It Is So Important in Managing Cancer, May 4, 2022
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, May 3, 2022
• Managing the Side Effects of Immunotherapy, Apr 27, 2022
• Caring for Your Loved One with Cancer, Apr 25, 2022
• Understanding the Role of Immunotherapy in Treating Cancer, Mar 23, 2022
• Understanding How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment and Care: With Tips & Strategies to Find the Best Cancer Treatment & Health Care Team for You, Mar 21, 2022
• Emerging Importance of Telemedicine/Telehealth Appointments in Communicating with Your Health Care Team, Mar 16, 2022
• CAR T-Cell Therapy: What's New, Mar 15, 2022
• COVID-19, Omicron & Delta Variants, COVID-19 Vaccines & Booster Vaccines: Revised Guidelines for People Living with Cancer and Their Loved Ones, Feb 7, 2022
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Jan 24, 2022
• Preventing, Managing & Treating Infection in Adults Living with Cancer, Oct 25, 2021
• Clinical Trials: How They Transform the Treatment of Cancer, Aug 25, 2021
• What’s New in Precision Medicine, Jun 30, 2021
• How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment & Care, Jun 21, 2021
• Caring for Your Loved One with Cancer, Jun 8, 2021
• Managing the Side Effects of Immunotherapy, May 26, 2021
• Understanding the Role of Immunotherapy in Treating Cancer, May 19, 2021
• What’s New in Diagnostic Technologies for People Living with Solid Cancer Tumors, May 17, 2021
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Why It Is So Important in Managing Cancer, Apr 14, 2021
• Update on Clinical Trials: How They Work, Apr 7, 2021
• Emerging Importance of Telemedicine/Telehealth Appointments in Communicating with Your Health Care Team, Mar 31, 2021
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Mar 15, 2021
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Feb 9, 2021
• The 9/11 Community, Cancer & COVID-19, Jan 25, 2021
• How Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers Improve Treatment Decisions for People Living with Cancer, Dec 7, 2020
• Cancer and Flu Shots, Nov 9, 2020
• Caregiving for Your Loved One Living with Cancer, Nov 3, 2020
• Preventing and Managing Infections in Adults Living with Cancer, Oct 26, 2020
• Managing the Cost of Living with Cancer, Sep 23, 2020
• Veterans Living with Cancer, Jun 26, 2020
• Treatment Adherence: Taking Your Pills on Schedule – Why It Is So Important, Jun 24, 2020
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, Jun 22, 2020
• What are Biosimilars? Understanding Their Role in Cancer Treatment: Current and Future Perspectives, Jun 18, 2020
• Current Perspectives in Cancer Survivorship, Jun 16, 2020
• Understanding the Role of Immunotherapy in Treating Cancer, Apr 29, 2020
• For Caregivers: Care Coordination for Your Loved One Living with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Apr 22, 2020
• Caregiving for Your Loved One with Cancer, Apr 14, 2020
• Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Apr 8, 2020
• Cancer and The Workplace: Understanding Your Legal Protections, Mar 25, 2020
• Understanding the Costs of Care and Your Health Care Coverage, Mar 18, 2020
• Trends in Oncology and Treatment Planning: What You Need to Know, Mar 4, 2020
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Mar 2, 2020
• Taking Your Treatment on Schedule: Its Importance in Managing Cancer, Feb 26, 2020
• Care for Your Bones During & After Cancer Treatment: Tips to Improve Bone Health, Nov 18, 2019
• Preventing Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting, Oct 28, 2019
• Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Jun 19, 2019
• New Trends in Cancer Survivorship, Jun 18, 2019
• For Caregivers: Care Coordination for Your Loved One Living with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Jun 17, 2019
• Understanding the Costs of Care and Your Health Care Coverage, Jun 12, 2019
• Cancer and the Workplace: Understanding Your Legal Protections, May 29, 2019
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Apr 15, 2019
• Joys and Challenges of Pets in Your Home When You Have Cancer, Apr 8, 2019
• Caregiving for Your Loved One with Cancer, Mar 19, 2019
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Dec 11, 2018
• Treatment-Related Rash and Dry Skin, Jun 20, 2018
• Mind Body Techniques to Cope with the Stresses of Cancer, Nov 15, 2017
• For Caregivers: Care Coordination for Your Loved One Living with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Jun 14, 2017
• Living with Cancer Throughout The Cancer Journey, Mar 10, 2017
• Managing Sensory Disruptions During Cancer Treatments, Dec 5, 2016
• For Health Care Professionals: Care Coordination for Older Men Living with Cancer, Aug 23, 2016
• Managing the Costs of Living with Cancer, Jun 8, 2016
• Nutrition and Healthy Eating Tips During and After Cancer Treatments, Feb 1, 2016
• For Health Care Professionals: Care Coordination for Older Men Living with Cancer, Jul 14, 2015
• Healthy Eating and Managing Weight Changes During Cancer Treatment, Apr 13, 2015
• Highlights of the Affordable Care Act, Nov 11, 2014
• Managing Cancer Pain: What You Need to Know, Mar 21, 2014
• Young Adult Survivorship: Fertility, Sexuality and Intimacy, Jun 28, 2013
• Understanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for People Living with Cancer, Dec 12, 2012
• Managing Post-Treatment Neuropathy, Jul 17, 2012
• Recapturing Joy and Finding Meaning, May 15, 2012
• Planning Your Comfort and Care at End of Life, May 10, 2012
• Using Mind/Body Techniques to Cope with the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 24, 2012
• Nutrition, Physical Activity and You: A Guide for People Living With Cancer, Nov 15, 2011
• Fear of Recurrence and Late Effects: Living with Uncertainty, Jul 12, 2011
• Stress Management for Caregivers: Taking Care of Yourself Physically and Emotionally, Jun 14, 2011
• The Challenges of Coping with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Jun 1, 2011
• Weight Changes After Cancer Treatment: Why is it Happening and What Can I Do About It, May 10, 2011
• Mouth Pain and Discomfort: All You Need to Know About Mouth Sores and Oral Mucositis, Apr 27, 2011
• Helping Children and Teens Understand When a Parent or Loved One Has Cancer, Apr 20, 2011
• Chemobrain: The Impact of Cancer Treatments on Memory, Thinking and Attention, Apr 12, 2011
• Survivors Too: Communicating With and Among Family, Friends and Loved Ones, Jul 13, 2010
• Communicating with Your Health Care Team After Treatment: Making the Most of Your Visit, May 18, 2010
• Trouble Sleeping? Sleep Better to Feel Better: Tips You Can Use, Apr 13, 2010
• Helping Teachers and Educators Support Siblings of Children with Cancer, Oct 8, 2009
• Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy, Jul 16, 2009
• Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones - Managing the Fatigue of Caregiving, Jun 23, 2009
• The Importance of Nutrition and Physical Activity, May 19, 2009
• For Parents, Caregivers and Professionals: Helping Brothers and Sisters of Children Living with Cancer, May 14, 2009
• Dental Health During Cancer Treatments, Apr 24, 2009
• Managing the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 14, 2009
• Medical Emergencies in Cancer Treatment, Apr 1, 2009
• Balancing Cancer and Careers: Living and Working with Cancer, Mar 12, 2009
• For Caregivers: Coping with Holidays, Special Occasions and Birthdays, Throughout the Year, Dec 12, 2008
• Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones, Jun 24, 2008
• Rediscovering Intimacy in Your Relationships Following Treatment, May 13, 2008
• The Importance of Communicating with Your Doctor About Follow-Up Care, Apr 22, 2008
• Finding Hope and Meaning After Treatment, Jun 19, 2007
• My Treatment is Over: Why Do I Feel So Alone and Sad?, May 15, 2007
• Neuropathy and Joint Aches: New Post Treatment Challenges, Apr 17, 2007
• Managing Your Costs of Recovery, Jun 20, 2006
• Balancing Your Needs and Your Role as a Caregiver, Jun 13, 2006
• Is It My Cancer or Am I Getting Older?, May 23, 2006
• The Bereaved Caregiver in the Workplace, May 10, 2006
• Stress Management Tips for Survivors, Apr 25, 2006
• The Challenge of Creating Supportive Work Environments for Employees with Cancer and Their Caregivers, Apr 5, 2006

Publications

Read or order our free Connect booklets and fact sheets offering easy-to-read information about the latest cancer treatments, managing side effects and coping with cancer.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

• Treatment Update: Blood CancersNew
• Your Guide to the Latest Cancer Research and Treatments: Highlights From the 2022 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical OncologyNew
• Bone Marrow Transplantation as a Treatment Option: What You Need to Know
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: The Patient Journey
• Treatment Update: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
• Your Guide to the Latest Cancer Research and Treatments: Highlights From the 2019 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology

General Topics

• Coping With Cancer: Tools to Help You Live
• Caregiving for Your Loved One With Cancer
• Talking to Children When a Loved One Has Cancer
• Communicating With Your Health Care Team
• Understanding and Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
• Sources of Financial Assistance
• Finding Resources in Your Community
• If You've Just Been Diagnosed
• What Can I Say to a Newly Diagnosed Loved One?
• Advice for Caregivers: How Can You Help Yourself?

Ask CancerCare

Every month, featured experts answer your questions about coping with cancer. View all questions and answers.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

• Q.

  I was diagnosed with CLL in 2003 and have no symptoms. My white cell count is about 120 and my platelets are at 290. My oncologist wants me to take Rituxan to get the counts down. I do not have an enlarged spleen and have not gotten sick. I have been told by my primary doctor that you should treat the symptoms not the counts. How do I get my oncologist to understand this?

  A.

  CLL or, chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common adult leukemia. The average age of diagnosis is 65 to 67 years of age, although it is diagnosed in younger adults as well. It is one of four main types of leukemias. Because it is a chronic disease people can go years without treatment, so it is important to monitor the disease for any changes.

  It appears you are struggling with different medical opinions. Your doctor suggests focusing on symptoms while your oncologist believes that the elevated counts indicate it is time for treatment. This is a common struggle for patients – what to do when you receive differing medical opinions? There is often uncertainty in which is the best option, and ultimately the decision rests with the patient.

  Doctors can suggest, strongly sometimes, treatment options that patients do not feel comfortable with. When that happens it is helpful to open up a dialogue with your doctor where you can explore the rationale behind his/her thinking and you can express your concerns. An open and honest relationship with your health care team (often referred to as a partnership) is important. For many patients this additional knowledge helps them make an informed decision. For oncologists and other members of the health care team, it lets them know about what is important to the patient and how they want to approach his/her disease.

  Here are a few additional resources addressing CLL treatment and patient/doctor communication:

  • The National Cancer Institute’s Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Treatment Summary
  • CancerCare’s publications, “Doctor, Can We Talk?” Tips for Communicating With Your Health Care Team and Your Health Care Team: Your Doctor is Only the Beginning

  Answered by
  Richard Dickens, MS, FAOSW, LCSW-R

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:

  leukemiachronic lymphocytic leukemia

From Our Blog

• Blood Cancers & Watchful Waiting
• Celebrating Survivorship with CancerCare

Featured Resource

Magnolia Meals at Home

A meal delivery program that helps patients by providing nourishing meals to households affected by cancer. Is currently available in and around Woodcliff Lake, NJ and Andover, MA, Raleigh-Durham, NC and New Haven, CT (as well areas in New York, New Hampshire and Boston, MA). For more information please visit magnoliamealsathome.com or contact Kathy Nugent, LCSW at 800-813-4673, ext. 6809.

Stories of Help and Hope

Read inspiring personal accounts from people affected by cancer and the ways they've found to cope.

• Sigrun K., Diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Ekata D., Diagnosed with leukemia