NZLrcrazy's Journey with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Diagnosed with basal cell skin cancer. I didn't have a typical presentation. I had a small, rough patch of skin that would not heal. Dermatology did a biopsy just to rule out cancer. The results were positive.

After 10 + years of confusing and serious medical issues, a bone marrow biopsy was done - just to rule out leukemia. The results were positive for CLL.

I am surprised that after almost 8 months, the scar has not faded. I am very self-conscious about the scar. I am also concerned about shaving my legs and the risk of infection in that area, due to the CLL.

After my second meningitis & septic shock infection episode I began IVIG treatment. I started that in August 2012 and go for infusion every 3 weeks.

Following my most recent hospitalization, I began noticing hair loss & breakage. I assumed it was the result of being in the hospital so long and not caring for my hair. However, it is almost 6 months since my infections and I have very little hair, especially in the crown. My dermatologist thinks it is because of the stress my body was under trying to fight the infections.

I was married for almost 25 years and have 3 children. I spent so many years trying to find the cause of my health issues before being diagnosed with CLL that my husband left me. Following my divorce I began seeing a man. We were together almost 9 years, living together most of that time. He had a difficult time dealing with my situation and would hyper-focus on minor problems, but could not deal with the greater issues at hand. He is in the process of moving out, claiming that he is now allergic to my dog - a dog I've had the entire time we've been together.