I hesitate to throw this out there because I don't want to make this about me, but...I was diagnosed with CLL in 2010. If you're going to have a cancer I suppose that this is the one to get. It is relatively slow moving and I've been able to carry on a normal life. My immune system is totally screwed up and I've had more trouble with autoimmune issues. One time my body attacked my platelets and my count went very low. Earlier this year I decided that my red blood cells were bad so my body decided to go on the attack. Six units of blood later (a very very tough cross match...please, donate blood if you can) I was back on my feet. My immuoglobulin levels are always low, very low. In the winter months I receive IGG infusions, a ridiculously expensive proposition if I didn't have insurance (and another plea to donate blood...) there's no way I could afford them. Anyway, back to the purpose of this post...you made a blanket statement above, whether intended or not. From the time I was diagnosed with CLL the plan was to not have to undergo chemo. I was diagnosed at a relatively young age and the side effects of chemo could have become an issue down the road (again, I'm lucky, I have time). Last fall I went on an experimental infusion that did bring my white count down to decent levels. Earlier this year I was lucky enough to join a study at OSU. The medication I take is in the form of a capsule taken twice a day. The worst side effect is that it further lowers my immune system, but I'm hanging in there. When I started the treatment my white count was around 150K. It is now in the low 30's and the expectation is that it will come down to normal levels. So, my point is, there is hope out there. I'll kick this and this treatment (and better ones to come) is the reason why (the cancer will likely always be there, just in check). Again...I'm lucky. Mine is slow so I have/had time to let research do its work. Not everyone is so lucky and I understand that. Hat's off to your mom, I applaud her. I too always hope that what I've gone through helps someone down the road.
So, now you know why my response in threads like this is always two simple words...cancer sucks. I'm lucky to have the support of a wonderful family. Around the house I'm called the deaf leukemia guy. None of us is going to let cancer get the last word and none of us is going to let it get us down.
Fight on!