After Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment

Patients & Families, Cancer Care Alberta

After Treatment

The evidence-based recommendations described below outline the standard follow-up procedures for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) surveillance once you have been told you are at low risk. This information is intended to help you and your primary care provider in knowing the most updated information for follow-up care. These recommendations are not a substitute for your cancer doctor (hematologist/oncologist) or primary care provider’s clinical judgement and advice.


ON THIS PAGE:
Follow-up|Know the Signs & Symptoms of Progressive CLL|Specific Concerns|Support & Recommendations|Ongoing Care


Follow-up

Remember: it is your responsibility to book your follow-up visits with your primary care provider so they can arrange the tests you need.

Since you are doing well, your primary care provider will be in charge of your recommended follow-up, which includes:

  • Arranging tests to check for cancer (surveillance)
  • Continuing to see you for any health conditions you have, or any new problems
  • Referring you to a specialist or back to your cancer doctor if they have any concerns.

If you need a family doctor, you can find one by calling Health Link (811) or visit Alberta Find a Provider. Once you have a doctor, let them know they can view the healthcare provider follow-up recommendations at ahs.ca/guru.

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Know the Signs & Symptoms of Progressive CLL

If these symptoms start and do not go away, call your primary care provider right away. They will need follow-up blood tests and a physical exam. If required, you will be referred back to the cancer centre.

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Profound (extreme) fatigue
  • Enlarging lymph nodes that are uncomfortable and/or growing continually

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Specific Concerns

You may be at a higher risk for infections. As such, we encourage patients to undergo vaccination for COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia. Non-live vaccination against shingles should also be considered

CLL is associated with a higher risk for secondary cancers, particularly non-melanoma skin cancers. We recommend annual skin screening and/or referral to dermatology and a focus on age and risk-factor-appropriate cancer screening.

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Ongoing Care

If there are any concerns about your treatment or cancer returning, your family doctor will refer you back to us.


Note: The follow-up care information on this page is for people who have finished chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment and is based on the sample Transfer of Care letter from the Cancer Guidelines website. These letters have been reviewed and approved by the Provincial Tumour Teams.

This information can help you and your primary care provider understand what follow-up care you may need. It does not replace the advice of your cancer doctor or primary care provider.

At the end of your treatment, your cancer doctor may send you a similar letter with recommendations that are specific to your care.

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