Sorry to jump in like this but I had to comment about @Leigh65, @DottieB and @GenesisDevice all living in York and with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). What are the chances?! Hopefully York hasn’t got any issues with environmental carcinogens, unsure how that could be checked for 
Also, great username @GenesisDevice from my favourite Star Trek 
I hope you’re finding the forum helpful.
Hello.
Thank you for kindly remembering 1982, The Wrath Of Khan. Now i feel oldish.
Had a bit of a week this week following my diagnosis of Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) on the 10th of April.
After starting with a tickly cough on Monday evening, progressing to a soar throat on Tuesday morning, and a lovely head cold by Tuesday evening, i can safely say i now feel much better, and hope to be rid of the effects fully by Sunday evening.
Thank you paracetamol!
My conern was that ive picked up this bug from work (i work part time in a Sainsbury’s (Monday evenings and Friday afternoon and evenings)) and im usually on the self scan area, interacting with numerous customers and quite often approving purchases for paracetamol based products (lemsip etc). So i recon ive picked up the bug during my Monday shift from a poor person suffering a cold.
It’s clear i’m going to have to wear a face mask to protect myself going forward, as well as using hand gel etc.
Not what i wanted to have to do, but only sensible choice as far as i can see.
Just wondering what everyones experience is, if similar, how do you cope?
I’ve been shopping today as a customer and again was masked 
. I dont enjoy it and feel self concious and a little embarrassed if i’m honest.
Beyond that, my wife had a little snap at me today, i think i’m being a bit irritating due to my state of mind, so i guess I’m feeling isolated at the moment. Appllogies for wallowing, just having a horrible day.
Thank you everyone for your kind words to date.
Oh @GenesisDevice certainly do not apologise for a little wallow, although that is not how I saw it.
Who knows where you picked up your bug, but perhaps have a word with your boss about a less customer facing role or different shifts.
I attach the link from the Blood Cancer UK money and work
Blood cancer: money and work | Blood Cancer UK and reasonable adaptions.
Yes, a mask is a good idea in some situations.
I am past feeling embarrassed now, my health comes first.
Verbal words really hurt me whether justified or not and I retreat into my shell and yes, I feel isolated as well.
However I reckon you have done the right thing posting on here.
My thought for the day is ‘Your day is what you make it’
Keep posting and really look after yourself
Good morning Erica
Today will be a good day
Thank you
Hi GenesisDevice, if I worked where you do I’d probably wear a mask too. My haematologist advised me ( remember we are all different with different conditions) to wear a mask when in an indoor crowded area especially in winter when there are lots of infections about.
This has been my first winter with Polycythaemia vera (PV) and in practice I wore a mask when at the doctors/hospital/pharmacy on buses when crowded or people were coughing/sneezing. I was self conscious at first but Im not now, and it is definitely better than spending an afternoon in A&E.
I have got used to always carrying a mask with me and if it makes me feel more comfortable I wear it and sometimes i wear it because it relaxes my partner. Though this sounds a lot it may only be once or twice a week.
On plus side it gave me a great excuse to avoid parties I did not want to go to anyway.
Hello my name is Serina.I am super excited.It sounds odd but I felt the stress and anxiety lift a little when joining like these are people who understand. Im not sure I do.My Dad was diagnosed with Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) Myelofibrosis.In less than a month he has Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
Hi @Serina I have responded to your other post and it is good to know that you are getting to know your way around our forum.
Hi My name is Ruth and I live in Crewe. Just been diagnosed with Essential thrombocythemia (ET) and have a further appointment shortly to discuss my going on hydrea
Hi @Ruth3 and welcome to the forum.
I know there are lots of forum members who will be able to share their experiences.
How are you feeling about everything?
Hi Nicholas.
Thanks for the welcome. I’m feeling OK at the moment about the diagnosis but a little apprehensive about the possible side effects of the treatment.
I don’t think I’ve got the hang of using the forum at the moment.
Ruth
I’ve got your reply so you’re doing something right!
I’m glad you have an appointment soon so that you can discuss everything. Often waiting is the hard bit. Get all of those questions written down.
If you need any information let us know and we can send you some links 
Hi @Ruth3 I am so glad that you have found us, welcome.
I hope others will be able to share their experiences for you.
I reckon you have a mastered the forum rather well.
Look after yourself and please do keep posting how you are getting on.
You have posted just fine @srijanapoudel, welcome.
However this is a UK support forum and we are unable to comment on test results or their legitimacy.
It must be so difficult for you as you obviously care so much for your bf and you are powerless to help and naturally so worried
The medical services might be very different in different countries, I do not know.
Look after yourselves.
Hello Pedro
Thank you for your message
Well, I’m just over 2 weeks post diagnosis, and I’ve purchased a pack of face masked that i keep in the car, so i can have one with me at all times. Like you, I’m making an educated decision to wear one, and being safe wherever I’m not 100% comfortable (e.g. crowded areas / shops / at work)
My most recent sift (yesterday 2pm to 10pm (my long day as i call it)) resulted in a number of customers asking if i was okay, and showing care and support towards me. Beyond this, a number of colleagues enquired, and again they were very supportive. It made me feel better, allowing people to understand my circumstance. The management where i work have been very supportive and professional and i feel very safe.
I’ve just about got over the head cold i picked up Monday the 14th of April - thank goodness - and feel much stronger (head colds really zap me).
Were all hear for each other - and again - thank you for your kind words and advice
Take good care
Mike aka GenesisDevice.
3 posts were merged into an existing topic: Stem cell transplant for myeloma
Hi i am david i live in south west scotland, i was diagnosed with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in may 2025, i am 79 years old, still getting over the shock. I have had my initial assessment, no treatment at the moment, 2 monthly monitoring, watch/wait & hope . At present finding the forum a mixture of hope & fear, but think i will get used to it. Keep up the good work fellow contributors.
Hi @Daveyboy a great big welcome to our forum
I am a 75yr old female and I have had Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) for 21 yrs on watch and wait (I prefer to call it active monitoring)
I think it is very natural to still be getting over the shock it took me ages.
The Blood Cancer UK support line is 0808 2080 888
I hope others will share their experiences
I look forward to hearing more about you and really look after and be very kind to yourself
Hello David.
I also have Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) after having my diagnosis given to me on the 10th of April this year
I’m 57, and felt absolutely fine, but the shock of the diagnosis really does knock the wind out of you. So, like you, I’m now on active monitoring, with regular blood tests etc.
Biggest change is avoiding crowds and / or wearing a face mask to prevent catching any infection.
A healthy high whole-wheat diet and exercise have been recommended to me, along with ensuring a good sleep pattern is followed. In short, as im sure you been advised, look after you.
I hope you find the forum a place where you can speak freely and find some confort and advise.
Take care
Mike.
Hello mike, thanks for your message of 1st june 25, yes i too feel fine, well for my age anyway, i take your point about avoiding crowds etc and also regarding a healthy diet. I appreciate you taking time to contact me, it is early days at the moment i can imagine we gain more confidence as we continue this journey. All the very best. David
Hello erica, thanks for your message it is great to hear from you. I find it very comforting your comment about dealing with the diagnosis and getting over the shock. I only found out by having injured my finger and having pre op tests, went in feeling bad about my finger came out feeling much worse. once again thankyou. David