A diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)—a type of cancer that starts from cells in the bone marrow and moves into the blood—can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there is a wealth of information online that can help you understand the condition, manage the logistics of care, locate specialists and connect with other patients.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
The LLS offers a broad range of support services for patients, including access to information specialists who can provide details on cancer treatment and financial and social challenges. The site also provides an online patient community, access to support groups and peer volunteers, details on clinical trials, and valuable information for caregivers.
American Cancer Society (ACS)
The ACS offers everything you need to know about CLL, including up-to-date expert-vetted information about risk factors, detection, diagnosis, and treatment and post-treatment life. You can read on-screen or download PDFs to take with you to appointments.
CLL Society
In addition to providing a Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Toolbox—featuring an “Ask The Doctor” form, a list of CLL specialists sorted by region and handy templates for keeping track of lab results—the site provides a calendar of CLL support group meetings in the U.S. and Canada.
Patient Power
A respite from reading, the CLL Health Center boasts hundreds of compelling videos featuring MDs, researchers, and patient advocates. Topics include dealing with the depression that may come from a CLL diagnosis, treatment options, and real-life patient stories. You can also join the Patient Power community and sign up to receive email updates that feature information on research and healthy living strategies and invitations to connect with other patients at online and in-person events.