By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    stress disorder
    5 Ways To Manage Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    October 27, 2021
    Medical device classification and development strategies
    Medical device classification and development strategies
    January 19, 2022
    varicose veins
    Varicose Veins Prevention: 3 Lifestyle Changes to Make Right Now
    May 1, 2022
    Latest News
    6 Essential Strategies for Improving Your Medical Practice
    January 25, 2023
    Staying Positive While Living with Mesothelioma
    January 24, 2023
    The Many Health Benefits of Being Outdoors
    January 17, 2023
    How to Assess a Safe Placement of a Nasogastric or Nasoenteric Tube and Its Complications
    January 19, 2023
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    9 Great Resources For Your Medical Assistant Training
    August 16, 2018
    Waiting for HIPAA Clarity? Who Has Time?
    September 19, 2014
    Topics You Need To Study And Prepare For When Taking The NCLEX
    August 12, 2020
    Latest News
    Simplifying the Genetic Testing Process: How At-Home Kits are Changing the Game
    January 25, 2023
    9 Hospitals That Have Introduced Green Initiatives
    January 25, 2023
    Why a Health Retreat Can Be the Best Medicine
    January 12, 2023
    Best Money-Saving Tips for Health Managers
    January 12, 2023
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: My New Adventure in the World of CLL
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Latest News
ABA therapist
Everything You Need to Know About Applied Behavior Analysis
Health
Small Lifestyle Changes That Can Have A Big Impact On Your Well-Being
lifestyle Wellness
The Future Of Medicine: How Immunotherapy Is Saving Lives
The Future Of Medicine: How Immunotherapy Is Saving Lives
Technology
medical practice and technology advancement
6 Essential Strategies for Improving Your Medical Practice
Technology
digital dental x-ray
How Does A Digital Dental X-Ray Work?
Dental health
Aa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Aa
Search
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Wellness > My New Adventure in the World of CLL
Wellness

My New Adventure in the World of CLL

Andrew Schorr
Last updated: 2015/09/10 at 6:29 PM
Andrew Schorr
Share
10 Min Read
SHARE

My adventure in the world of CLL started in February 2013, when during a routine physical, my physician noted that my white counts were “elevated.” Having a rather offbeat sense of humor, he was certain that his blood analyzer was faulty, and a second blood test would most definitely prove that. Well, the exact same numbers came up, and while he insisted that his machine was clearly broken, perhaps I should go see a hematologist.

My adventure in the world of CLL started in February 2013, when during a routine physical, my physician noted that my white counts were “elevated.” Having a rather offbeat sense of humor, he was certain that his blood analyzer was faulty, and a second blood test would most definitely prove that. Well, the exact same numbers came up, and while he insisted that his machine was clearly broken, perhaps I should go see a hematologist. After a battery of unpleasant tests and trips to multiple hematologists, I was diagnosed with stage I CLL in June 2013 and clinically have been in watch and wait ever since. Watch and worry is plainly a better descriptive clinical term.

Some months ago, I met Andrew and Esther Schorr at the CLLPAG conference in Niagara Falls, Canada. I was there with my father, a retired physician, who was incredulous to hear that “watch and wait” was a real protocol when I told him that I have CLL. My hope was that this conference would make him better understand that under current science and prevailing clinical protocols, early treatment does not improve overall survival.

When diagnosed, and as a technologist at heart, I craved information to better understand CLL and its treatment. Like most other people, I continue to do a lot of research on CLL, and Patient Power is one of several regular “go-to” sources. At the CLLPAG conference, I recognized Andrew from his picture, and went up to him to think him for his hard work and advocacy.

More Read

the right pillow can reduce the risk of back and neck pain

Why Modern Pillows Reduce Back and Neck Problems

How Walking Can Help Reduce Stress and Improve Mental Health
6 Ways Rhinoplasty Can Improve Your Health And Wellbeing
Gastritis: What to Eat, Diet, Best Medicines
Creating A Wellness Plan That Works Best For You

Historically, my gregariousness gets me “volunteered” with some frequency. For example, many years ago, I complained about some things in my community. Little did I know that my letter of complaint was actually viewed as an offer to fix the issues and, ultimately, led to my election as Association President. This propensity and several conversations with Andrew have led to writing this blog the initial focus of which will be simply, life in watch and wait. I promise not to get morose or talk about my numbers, at least not too much, and only when it is relevant to you, the reader.

Although I do a lot of public speaking and writing on professional topics, I have never written a blog before. As a neophyte, we will be learning together. Talking in an open forum like this about something as personal as health is way outside my comfort zone. However, if this blog can help just one person, then it will be worth the effort. While I do have some ideas in mind, your input, thoughts and ideas will be critical to making this successful. So let’s get started!

Back story is important to setting context, and mine is no different.  First, I am writing under a pseudonym because of the bias against older workers and the chronically ill in corporate America. Unfortunately, and despite the benefits of our experience, we are nonetheless viewed as expensive liabilities. While discrimination due to health and age is illegal, it is very hard to prove. I work very near and occasionally in the public eye.   If you Google (interesting that a company name is now a verb) my real name, it would come up more than once.

This has created a duality in that none of my professional peers and clients has the slightest idea that I have cancer. They do notice that I am fanatical about exercise, health and nutrition.  I get teased about my ever-present bottle of hand sanitizer, chided about using WebEx in lieu of plane travel and avoid large meetings whereever possible.  If they only knew the real motivation.

Second, I am not angry nor feel the least bit bad or sorry for having cancer. I simply won the wrong lottery. The day I was diagnosed, I got onto my bicycle and rode 60 miles hard and fast. It was my way of saying to the CLL that it had picked a fight with the wrong guy. It may still win, but I will resist this to the last fiber of my being. Perhaps most importantly, I continue to look forward and steadfastly refuse to be a victim, look back and ask about what could have been.

Nonetheless, Led Zeppelin’s song “That’s the Way” did precipitate a small meltdown, in private, when the reality really hit hard that I DO have cancer, and there is nothing to that can be done about that. The idea I might not be able to be play and be with my family and friends hit home.

Third, you have to play the deck of cards life deals you, not the hand you want. My CLL diagnosis has been a motivation to get to a better place. Facing your mortality has that effect. Your hematologist saying he needs you to be strong in case they need to hit you with FCR also has that impact. In the first year of my diagnosis, I did three century rides in four weeks along with two metric centuries in between, I lost 26 pounds, and got into the best physical condition since my early 30s, a time nearly 25 years ago. I have been tested by a sports physiologist, and my VO2 is in the top 1 percent of all males my age. This puts me on a par physiologically with people in average health that are 25 years younger.   Being physically active is one way to feel empowered to fight back.

Fourth, I appreciate that I am the luckiest person around, CLL notwithstanding. I have a wonderful wife, a great family, a small but great circle of friends, and a fabulous support team that is truly interested in beating this. This includes an internist, hematologist, sports physiologist, therapist and an oncological nutritionist. I get such utter joy from riding my bike 100 miles and feeling the wind on my face. So what is not to like?

Well, the reality is that I do have a cancer that presently has no cure. And yes, every four months it is another trip to the hematologist to face Damocles sword. My white counts could easily skyrocket, my lymph nodes get really big, and my liver and spleen could get enlarged.   It is rather perverse that I am in the best shape possible in part to deal with the potential eventuality of getting “knocked down” by chemo. I am not sure what scares me more, the cancer or the destructive effects of chemo.

Finally, by far the hardest thing is having to tell friends and family that I have cancer. It is enormously painful. You end up ruining their day, and they don’t know what to say. I can deal with the cancer, but dragging loved family and friends down a couple of notches is really hard. Telling my children that I have cancer was one of the worst moments of my life. It took months of work with a therapist to craft a message that was focused on hope and that I would be in their lives for a long time.

Okay, so the above is my story, and I am sticking to it! There are a lot of topics and issues to cover, and each paragraph above could be its own conversation. I do want to delve into the duality of living with CLL, physical fitness and exercise, among others. Again, please send your thoughts and ideas. Thank you for reading!

Always hope. Never quit.

C.J. Chris

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Andrew Schorr September 10, 2015
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link Print
Share
Previous Article Remembering 9/11. How a Cardboard Box Pays Tribute to 9/11
Next Article Cadillac tax or Yugo tax: Which one would be better?

Stay Connected

1.5k Followers Like
4.5k Followers Follow
2.8k Followers Pin
136k Subscribers Subscribe

Latest News

ABA therapist
Everything You Need to Know About Applied Behavior Analysis
Health January 26, 2023
Small Lifestyle Changes That Can Have A Big Impact On Your Well-Being
lifestyle Wellness January 26, 2023
The Future Of Medicine: How Immunotherapy Is Saving Lives
The Future Of Medicine: How Immunotherapy Is Saving Lives
Technology January 26, 2023
medical practice and technology advancement
6 Essential Strategies for Improving Your Medical Practice
Technology January 25, 2023

You Might also Like

lifestyleWellness

Small Lifestyle Changes That Can Have A Big Impact On Your Well-Being

January 26, 2023
healthy diet plan for new year
HealthWellness

New Year, New Healthy Changes for Your Diet

January 15, 2023
healthy food delivery service
Wellness

The Benefits of Using a Healthy Food Delivery Service

January 15, 2023
Immune System
HealthWellness

Don’t Let These 3 Mistakes Lower Your Immune System

January 13, 2023
Follow US

© 2008-2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?