Typically, cancer prognosis is about overall survival. However, CLL is an indolent type of cancer, which slowly grows over the years. Despite being chronic, the course of the disease can be unpredictable. This can cause uncertainty and worries regarding the future.
Thanks to the development of new diagnostic techniques and the introduction of novel targeted therapies, the era of personalized medicine is here. Nowadays, there are prognostic tests which can assess which treatment is more effective for each individual. Before starting your treatment, you may be asked to undertake such lab tests. Their results will help your physician better assess the significance of your disease and identify the most suitable treatment.
Prognosis
During this stage many questions might arise:
What are the available exams?
Should everyone undertake prognostic test?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking additional prognostic lab tests?
How can you deal with the psychological effects of your diagnosis?
How can you manage the emotions that may arise?
What can you do to cope with uncertainty?
Personal Stories
“The hematologist explained to me that I have this condition, Lymphocytic Leukemia. He told me that the diagnosis is good, and we have a very slow progression that can take up to 15 years… I was definitely in shock the day I found out. But I can’t say I panicked too much, because of the way he explained it to me, telling me that I was lucky in my misfortune for having this type of cancer”. (Helen)
The first tests showed the type of CLL, and I have to say that when my hematologist had all the data concerning the diagnosis, she told me quite early on that it is a type that has a really good prognosis. From the start, she was very reassuring. Twelve years have passed since then, meaning that this doesn’t bother me anymore. I think that it’s something you have, which, as I understood from my own experience, won’t cause any major problems. (George)
Podcasts
Prognosis Podcast in English
Prognosis Podcast in Greek
Videos
Leaflets
