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Watch and Wait

Watch and wait or active observation is one of the most important and least understood concepts in CLL. CLL Society’s research reveals that patients in Watch and Wait can experience a high level of anxiety during this time and feel like they really should be doing something.

Of course they should! We have called out several actions you can take during Watch and Wait to improve your overall health and to lay the groundwork for getting the best possible care for your CLL. Below are suggested tasks to help you take really good care of yourself. 

Action Items for Watch and Wait

4 Steps to Take Now

Get immunized now!

Your immunity is somewhat compromised in Watch and Wait, and it generally does not get better over time. Getting vaccinated or receiving boosters early in your disease increases the likelihood of better protection. Bring up this issue with your healthcare team. Depending on your age, risk factors, history, and comorbidities, you may need one or both pneumonia vaccines, hepatitis A and/or B, HIB, Tdap, Td, or others.

Stay up to date on your appropriate cancer screenings. 2nd cancers are more common in CLL patients. Helpful article here.

Join a CLL-specific support group.

Watch and Wait is a great time for meeting others with CLL and to experience the support of CLL Society’s patient and caregiver community! Read more about CLL Society support groups. Check out the Watch & Wait specific support groups, more information is here.

Use our guidelines to build a strong network of healthcare professionals, family, and friends who are well-qualified and devoted to keeping you healthy.

Consider joining a clinical trial for Watch and Wait.

Get immunized now!

Your immunity is somewhat compromised in Watch and Wait, and it generally does not get better over time. Getting vaccinated or receiving boosters early in your disease increases the likelihood of better protection. Bring up this issue with your healthcare team. Depending on your age, risk factors, history, and comorbidities, you may need one or both pneumonia vaccines, hepatitis A and/or B, HIB, Tdap, Td, or others.

Stay up to date on your appropriate cancer screenings. 2nd cancers are more common in CLL patients. Helpful article here.

Join a CLL-specific support group.

Watch and Wait is a great time for meeting others with CLL and to experience the support of CLL Society’s patient and caregiver community! Read more about CLL Society support groups.

Build your care team!

Use our guidelines to build a strong network of healthcare professionals, family, and friends who are well-qualified and devoted to keeping you healthy.

Consider joining a clinical trial for Watch and Wait.

Helpful Articles and Patient Stories

ADDITIONAL READING