Remembering Jill Clayburgh
- Actress Jill Clayburgh passed away 11 years ago after a battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
- CLL progresses slowly, and typically affects older adults; it initially develops from a type of white blood cells called B cells.
- A chronic cancer diagnosis is life-changing; learn about the ways to combat grief and overwhelm by speaking with a psychologist.
Clayburgh battled her disease for over 20 years, and largely kept her diagnosis private and out of the public part of her life. She passed at her home in Connecticut on November 5, 2010, at the age of 66.
Read MoreWhat is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?
Jill’s disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It’s typically slow to progress, and the cancer develops from a type of white blood cell known as B cells. For a chronic leukemia, the cells can mature partially, but not fully. And while the cells may look normal, they don’t fight infection as well as normal white blood cells. Leukemia cells also survive longer than normal cells, creating build-up in the bone marrow.Related: The Effectiveness of Monoclonal Antibodies in Treating CLL
CLL typically affects older adults, and the symptoms can be hard to spot. Symptoms of CLL include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Easy bruising
Treatment options for this disease can include chemotherapy or stem-cell transplant. Stem-cell transplant is typically reserved for more aggressive cases of CLL.
Related: Getting a Second Opinion is a Smart Move After a CLL Diagnosis
In an earlier interview, Dr. Nicole Lamanna, a hematologist/oncologist at Columbia University Medical Center, describes the advances that have been made in recent years for the treatment of CLL. She says, “The field of CLL has changed dramatically over the past five years. We’ve literally had three to four new drugs approved, which is remarkable for a rare disease.”
“But that being said, because of these new approvals, it really has confused many physicians of which treatments they should be using,” says Dr. Lamanna. “There might be therapies– depending upon the person’s age and what other medical problems they have, you might be picking certain drugs because of the side effects of these agents, and you may exclude other drugs. So there is not a one-size-fits-all for patients, yet, with CLL.”
New Treatment Options for CLL
Coping with a Chronic Cancer Diagnosis
A cancer diagnosis that is termed “chronic” means it is ongoing. A cancer diagnosis often changes a person’s life, and a chronic cancer diagnosis, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, can feel even more impactful. Many people often experience grief, depression, anxiety, and fear, following their cancer diagnosis.
Related: Treating Depression After a Cancer Diagnosis
For those coping with grief from a chronic cancer diagnosis, it’s important to honor your feelings; don’t brush them under the rug. Seeking support from a psychologist or oncological social worker may help, too.
Related: The IGHV Mutation is Key to CLL Prognosis
In an earlier interview, Dr. Scott Irwin, the Director of Supportive Care Services at Cedars-Sinai, says, “Grief comes in waves. It often gets better over time, but on certain days, it can look like depression. And other days, people look perfectly normal and can function.”
“They’re grieving the change in their life, the future they had imagined is now different,” he explains. “In cancer care, sometimes, we’re actually forcing some body changes that are beyond what would be normal aging, and that can be even harder for people to deal with where they don’t feel like themselves.”
Dealing With Grief After a Cancer Diagnosis
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