Fourteen years ago, I learned that I had “Stage Zero” chronic lymphocytic leukemia, commonly called CLL.  It stayed at Stage Zero for years—no treatment required.  Until now.

 A routine blood test showed that my white blood cell count had grown dangerously high, and my oncologist ordered tests to confirm that it was time to begin treatment. The tests confirmed her concern, and on Wednesday, I started my pill regimen. 

This cancer is treatable.  That’s the good news.  Other good news is that treatment no longer requires chemotherapy thanks to wonderful medical advances.  The bad news is that the treatment can have some unpleasant side effects (or not). 

So now it’s a waiting game.  Do I tolerate the treatment?  Are the side effects bearable?

I will take each day as it comes, grateful for all the good I have in my life and hopeful for more of it.

And now this blog will return to its regular programing…