I had swollen lymph nodes for some time (assumed they would eventually return to normal) then I had unprovoked blood clots in my leg which went to my lung and put me in the hospital. During my stay, due to the blood clotting and swollen lymph nodes, the Oncologist decided to have a biopsy done on my lymph nodes and low and behold, I was diagnosed with CLL. I have been on watch and wait since August of 2024.

I did not want organ damage to occur when my doctor told me to "not worry?" After seeing my count go from 19 K to 75K in 8 months I wanted medication before any damage occurred. During my visit the doctor checked for swollen glands which he really never explained why he was looking? I understand that excess damaged white blood cells can attack good organs and cells. I think this would be the same with bruising seen in the skin?

A swollen node in my neck was the first symptom of my CLL. I had it removed and started first chemo treatment (experimental) administered by doctor from the Stanford Cancer Center. Lucky for me my local oncologist in Reno was friends with oncologist at Stanford.