Hi
I have just read the article about Dr David Bartlett’s research on fatigue, diet and exercise, for those of us with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Is there anyway of being able to find out more about the exercise? It is the one thing I really struggle with due to fatigue?
Thank you
Johanna
Hello @Johanna1
Welcome to the forum and thank you for taking time to type your query.
I am also a Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)) patient, and I got my diagnosis in April 2025.
I found I had so many questions, and the amount information was quite overwhelming, but the support out there, not least this forum and its many contributors, really helped.
As a Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patient I wondered if I might share my experience to date with you, but please let me say that everyone is different so please do speak with your medical experts in the first instance and follow their advice.
You ask about exercise, fatigue and diet, and I can relate to the fatigue element as I find I often need a power nap (as I call it) in the afternoon for 30 minutes to an hour.
I asked my GP for a gym referral and I now go to the gym three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning), and as for diet, the advice given to me was quite specific, avoiding processed foods for example, and concentrating on good fresh food (fresh veg and fruit etc) with whole grain / whole wheat foods in the mix.
The exercise side of things gives me a great sense of wellbeing especially from a mental health perspective, as I am enjoying getting back into slimmer jeans! Yes the exercise does of course burn through energy, but exercise to your own ability was what was said to me.
You may find the link CLL and fatigue of interest.
Needless to day should you prefer you can always speak confidentially with our support services team for information and support 0808 2080 888
Please do feel free to let us know how you get on
Take good care of yourself
Kind regards
Mike
Hello @Johanna1
Thank you for your post.
We are sorry to hear that you are struggling with fatigue.
I can see that @GenesisDevice has given some great advice.
It can be hard to get the balance right at times with keeping active but also trying to manage fatigue. Sometimes exercise, especially light exercise such as walks can help with well-being and fatigue, whereas other days you may feel very tired and need to rest/ take naps. It’s important to listen to your body and do what feels right for you. We would also recommend just updating your team on how your are feeling so that they can aim to support you as best they can too.
In case it is helpful we do have pages on Fatigue | Blood Cancer UK and on keeping active - Blood cancer and keeping active | Blood Cancer UK. These may be useful for you.
In addition to these, we also have a eating well page What to eat when you have blood cancer | Blood Cancer UK which may be of interest.
Do take care & keep us updated. We hope others can also share their hints, tips and experiences with you.
Warm wishes,
Emma (support services nurse)