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What is end stage CLL like?

What is end stage CLL like?

When the disease moves into the later stages, CLL cells crowd out the healthy cells in the bone marrow, which could lead to problems such as anemia, low platelets, and an enlarged liver and spleen.

How long can you live with Stage 4 CLL?

Median survival

Staging system Stage Median survival
1 and 2 7 years
3 and 4 1.5 years
Binet A More than 10 years
B 5–7 years

How do CLL patients die?

The complications and causes of death of 105 patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia followed for a median period of 5.5 years are described. Infection and secondary primary malignant tumours were the most common complications and also caused most deaths.

How do you know when your CLL is getting worse?

Extreme tiredness Another symptom of CLL progression is extreme fatigue and shortness of breath while doing your normal day-to-day activities. This is due to fewer healthy red blood cells and more cancer cells accumulating in your body.

How long does end stage CLL last?

The prognosis of patients with CLL varies widely at diagnosis. Some patients die rapidly, within 2-3 years of diagnosis, because of complications from CLL. Most patients live 5-10 years, with an initial course that is relatively benign but followed by a terminal, progressive, and resistant phase lasting 1-2 years.

What is the longest you can live with CLL?

Can you live with chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can rarely be cured. Still, most people live with the disease for many years. Some people with CLL can live for years without treatment, but over time, most will need to be treated. Most people with CLL are treated on and off for years.

Is there a life expectancy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Survival rates for chronic lymphocytic leukemia are good compared to many other cancers. Although doctors cannot often cure the disease, a person can live with this form of leukemia for many years with treatment.

How are the stages of chronic lymphocytic leukemia defined?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia stages in the Rai system are defined by three main factors: the number of the lymphocytes in the blood; whether the lymph nodes, spleen or liver are enlarged; and whether the blood disorders anemia (too few red blood cells) or thrombocytopenia (too few platelets) have developed.

How does chronic lymphocytic leukemia affect the bone marrow?

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Bone marrow is a soft, spongy substance within bones that produces blood cells. CLL is the result of various genetic mutations in the DNA of cells that produce blood. The exact cause of these mutations is unknown.

What to do if you have chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Ask your doctor for a recommendation of where you can read up more about your condition. Physical activity is another way to cope with a CLL diagnosis. Exercise is important because activity increases your brain’s production of endorphins. These are the “feel good” hormones. Exercise improves your mental outlook.