Depending on the person, their age, health status, medicines they are receiving, and their side effects, the areas where a CLL patient might need support varies.

Listed below are some areas where a patient might need support. 

Daily Tasks

Some people might need support covering daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and paying bills because of side effects, like fatigue, that accompany CLL and its treatments.

Side Effect Management

CLL therapies may have side effects. These can often be managed with supportive measures; however, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects and communicate them to the doctor. 

Knowing the management strategies for side effects can also prepare you for what to ask for and, if applicable, administer yourself. For more information, visit the following section in this guide: Side Effect Management 

Appointment Support 

People with CLL may need help traveling to appointments or listening to the doctor's advice. You can help support the person with CLL by writing down questions they may have beforehand and advocating for them during the appointment. Consider recording the appointment to review the information afterward.

Emotional Support

Managing cancer can be emotionally overwhelming. Reaching out to professional support, such as a mental health therapist if needed, can help make the experience more manageable. 

Monitoring your loved one for depressive episodes, major mood swings, and high anxiety is important. Be sure to talk to their doctor if you have any concerns. 

Financial Navigation

The financial burden of treatments, doctor’s appointments, and lifestyle changes that CLL brings can be overwhelming. 

Click here to learn from HealthTree’s Financial Program Manager, Diahanna Vallentine, about ways to help manage the costs of CLL: Financial Resources. 

You can also ask your healthcare facility if it has a patient navigator who can help you overcome other barriers to healthcare. 

Infection Prevention 

To prevent infections, it is recommended that those with CLL stay current on needed vaccinations. Proper hand-washing, food preparation, and mask-wearing (if applicable) is also recommended.

You may also need to monitor the CLL patient for infection. Stay vigilant for runny or stuffy noses, coughs, fevers, or body aches. What seems small might become serious very quickly. 

If the person is experiencing recurring infections, ask the doctor about receiving antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and IVIG. 

Resources for Infection Management: 

• Know Your Options Against Infections - Immunoglobulin Infusions (IVIG) for People with CLL
• How Can I Prevent Infections as a CLL Patient?