Monitoring Your CLL Symptoms
Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any symptoms or a sudden change in your health. Below, are possible signs that your CLL has advanced. But only your doctor can tell if these symptoms are related to your CLL. And because you may not have symptoms, be sure to visit your doctor regularly. Your doctor will closely monitor your condition. You, too, can be involved by monitoring symptoms.
Download or print the Symptom Checklist below and keep it handy while you’re monitoring your symptoms. If you have any symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor about them. Also, be sure to ask any questions you have about your treatment.
Monitor your symptoms
Talking openly and directly about symptoms can help you and your doctor manage your CLL.
Your symptom checklist
While your doctor watches for:
- An increase in the number of CLL cells
- A decrease in the number of normal blood cells
- Swelling in the lymph nodes, liver, or spleen
You should watch for:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin. This swelling can be painless
- Discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Feeling short of breath
- Fever, night sweats, or weight loss
- Infections of the skin or body
Even if you do not have symptoms, be sure to visit your doctor regularly.
Keep in mind: You may have heard the term watch-and-wait. That means the doctor and patient will watch the CLL for symptoms and not start treatment unless needed. Some people with CLL never need treatment.
This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Discuss with your doctor any questions you have about your medical condition or your treatment.
