Martha
I’m 78 and was diagnosed in Dec22 with CLL. After 9 months doctor prescribed Brukinsa. I’ve been taking it a month with few side effects. Some older ppl do fine on chemo but oncologist make the call on that one. If I were you I would ask about the btki blockers. Brukinsa is the latest approved by FDA and said to have minor reactions. Wishing you the best.

Vbery interesting. Thanks for the info. I am just fine for about 2-3 days and then have a day in which I am more tired. It really hasn't caused any problems for me. The only problem I have is a purple lower arm!!! I had some sores there awhile ago which must have caused some bleeding and now it just continues. My doctor does not seem worried but I have one "purple" forearm!!!

So happy to hear others on Brukinsa are doing well! My blood work is looking good too and was hoping it to be normal by July. However, I had to go off if it 7 days before a biopsy on my right breast! Went in for my regularly scheduled mammogram and then needed a follow up diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. The doctor found something. Met with a wonderful breast cancer surgeon who said it’s stage 1 and little. So they caught it early. She scheduled an MRI and then will schedule surgery for a lumpectomy! Both she and my oncologist tell me I’m unique having CLL and breast cancer. All of May was a roller coaster of emotions! Granddaughter’s college graduation, son and his son and girlfriend in from Seattle. We celebrated and had so much fun and a great Mother’s Day! Told them all I feel too good to be sick! Friends who have gone through this have provided great role models so I plan on keeping a good attitude and adding some humor too. Of course lots of prayers too!
Thx for allowing me to share my story!

Hi Robert:
Had to laugh at your "overactive dogs" as I have three Golden Retrievers and know exactly what you mean!!. I bleed very easily and was off of Brukinsa for 8 days to help eliminate some of the bruise spots, especially a really large one on my leg and one over half of my lower left arm which has been purple/brown since February. Being off for that short period of time eliminated the large one on my leg and some smaller bruises and it also lightened my arm but as soon as I started Brukinsa again, my arm was back to the way it was before. Like you, any cut or scratch turns into potential for major bruising. My Oncologist is aware of this too but this is a minor inconvenience for the other wonderful benefits I am getting from Brukinsa. My labs were all back to normal in April so I am a happy camper..

I have been taking Brukinsa since February. I have been scratched and bleeding by over active dogs and tree branches when weed cutting. I also notice the bruises at my knees and upper legs from exercising? I have very good energy in the morning and I like to relax in the afternoon. I am up at 5 AM and asleep 9-10 PM. I am also a lot happier since I think I am back to normal? I am glad there are no ill affects from Brukinsa so far? The expense was high with my co-payment of $3400 which was covered by a grant. April my insurance told me they would cover 100% of the cost. I hope others read these postings and get the help they need to resolve their illness.