My brother has CLL. His situation was monitored for approx. 4 years, but when his red blood cell count went down, while his white cell count was going sky-high, he began chemo. He was told it would be 2-6 months of chemo and then they'd see what happens. He responded well to chemo, having it 3 days/month for the last 4 months. The only side effect has been a sensitivity to cold right after the treatment.
Now his dr. is proposing a bone marrow treatment (no outside doner being used), but the possible effects sound frightening, compared to the virtually no effect he's had with the chemo. It's being presented to him as elective, and that his PPO will cover it (we haven't heard from the insurance co. yet.).
Is there anyone out there that regrets doing the bone marrow transplant? Are there people out there who feel it saved their lives? If he says no to this treatment, can he just continue with the chemo and still get better? Anything you can share in the way of "real life" situations will be very appreciated. I really love my brother. thanks