The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team In Training

Diagnosis: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Date of Diagnosis: February, 2003 – at age 63

As is often the case, my disease was discovered during a yearly routine physical exam. I had no obvious symptoms and was shocked to hear my internist announce “You have leukemia”. He was basing his statement on my high lymphocyte count, a classic marker of early stage CLL. To say I was stunned is a gross understatement. His diagnosis was confirmed in February 2003 through further cytogenetic testing and a bone marrow biopsy.

Because CLL is a generally slow moving cancer that affects older people, it is considered a “good” cancer. But, believe me, there is no such thing. While my family and I have had the luxury of some time to do research and make reasoned treatment decisions, an uninvited and destructive guest has entered my life. The fact is I have a disease that is treatable but still incurable and may one day take my life.

In the 7 years I have known about my disease, my wife and I have been actively involved in researching CLL and in working with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as TNT participants, mentors, and donors. We have read many research studies and attended conferences to better understand blood cancer. We have met many other people living with lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. We have found an oncologist at UCSD who specializes in the treatment of CLL. We have been through the “watch and wait” phase, a research study, and two clinical trials. We have learned that, while the federal government and drug companies provide some research funds, there is never enough money and it is groups like LLS that advance quality of life and treatment options for people with all types of blood cancers.

Many of you are reading this because you have someone in your life – a friend, a colleague, a family member, or even yourself – who has been touched by cancer. Thank you for being a participant in finding new drugs and more effective treatments to extend both the quality and quantity of our lives. Your efforts are appreciated by all of us in the blood cancer community. We hope you enjoy your TNT experience and that you know how much your efforts contribute to the goal of finding a CURE for every blood cancer. GO TEAM!