CLL and Gallstones

Hi Rusticsoul

Thanks for your post. I’m Eileen one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan support line. I see that you’ve joined the CLL forum and I hope you find this a good source of support and information.

CLL Support is a patient led charity offering support and information which you may find of benefit.

I can appreciate having been told you have gall stones would cause you to wonder how this might impact on your CLL and whether it might influence progression of your disease.

Whilst we’re not certain about the causes of CLL there are several risk factors for development of the disease such as increasing age and family history

CLL is generally a slowly progressing condition. The factors that influence progression and prognosis of CLL are multifaceted and include several factors. 

These factors include the stage of your CLL, as well as your age and gene changes in your leukaemia cells. In up to about 10% of people with CLL, the leukaemia can change. It can start to grow more quickly. This is referred to as transformation but it’s important to remember that this is rare.

As we are not part of the NHS and don’t have access to your medical records, we can provide general information, but we would suggest talking to your Consultant or your Clinical Nurse Specialist at the hospital. They’ll be able to provide information based on the specifics of your disease and therefore more relevant to you.

You’ve mentioned tweaks to your diet, if you haven’t been seen by a dietician it may help to do so. Your hospital team or GP can refer you.

I hope this helps.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Best wishes,

Eileen

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref/ HW