Atypical CLL ...what to expect?

I was just diagnosed with CLL atypical. I am a 48 yr  old, white female.  I have heard that CLL atypical has a tendency to progress quicker or be more aggressive.  I am in stage 1 (on 0-4 scale).  I would appreciate any information that anyone can give.

[PaulMD]

Hi.

Atypical CLL can indeed present with a more aggressive phenotype, but the general trend for this is still indolence.  Treatment can be recommended based on how fast the symptoms progress or how drastic is the fall of certain blood parameters such as the hemoglobin and platelets.  

Treatment would usually consist of chemotherapy if warranted.  A lot of patients with CLL eventually live long fruitful lives as if they do not have the disease.  It is just a matter of finding the right outlook and receiving appropriate treatment if necessary.

Regards and God bless.

[texgal911]

Thanks for your response.  They initially thought I had Mantle Cell Lymphoma also. The first bone marrow biopsy taken was from a hospital in Houston and showed a neg to dim reading on the CD23.  When I discovered I had leukemia, I immediately got in to MD Anderson Cancer Center.  They retested my bone marrow and blood and found that I did NOT have the Mantle Cell.  I was very relieved. I am hoping this disease is indolent and not aggressive, but if it takes off, I know I am being treated at the best place in the country.
Thanks again.