Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Support Group

Hi Peg: I hope that you are doing well...... keep intouch..... Regards:) Mia

Hi, Peggy, Strange as it seems, blood counts are not treated (except for anemia), but your physical symptoms are the clue for treatment. Nodes, fatigue, etc. As the aying goes, treat the patient, not the counts. CLL is usually a slow progressive disease, however, some patient have aggressive disease. Your doctor will tell you. Don't worry about your coounts. That's what you ppay your doctor for, to worry for you. BUT it is a very good idea to get an expert opinion, and a second opinion.

Hi my husband white count was around 70,000 last time he went to the Dr. still hasn't started any treatment yet. His Dr. told him he would probably start treatment if his white count reached 100,000 or he started feeling bad. We are going to try to go to MD Anderson for a second opinion soon. Let me know how you are doing.

MDAnderson is in Houston, Tx and is one of the best in the world. Depending on where you live, there are CLL experts (those doctors who are involved only in CLL) in different areas in the USA. People travel thousands of miles to consult with CLL experts. If treatment is indicated they will work with your local onc/hema.

I have been told White blood count on its own means we are only on a watch and wait list .You have to have enlarged lymph nodes enlarged spleen or liver ,have night sweats and have lost body weight before treatment is given. You should just be sure you have regular checks and you can live a good life for many years. Joan .

thanks for all the information..it makes me feel better..and thanks mia

I don't that the Drs necessarily treat just because the count is high. They treat the symptoms. Otherwise, if you are without symptoms they will not treat. One person maybe symtomatic at 50,000 and need chemo while another may be ok at 60,000 or higher and need no treatment

Hi, Peg, Usually the clue for needing treatment is when your absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) doubles within 6 months. For instance, on June 6th your WBC (white blood cell)is 17,000 and your lymph count is 78%. You multiply the WBD by the Lymph and you get the ALC which is 132. Then on Sept.6 your WBC is 27,000 and your lymph count is 97% your ALC would be 261.9 And your ALC has doubled. But is your WBC on Sept.6th was 19,000 and you lymph's were 92% your ALC174.8 your count ALC has not doubled. But then again, the symptoms of increased lymph nodes in your neck, under your arms, the groin, etc, are taken into account, along with fatigue night sweats, itching. Hope this helps.

My dad's hematologist told us that his white cell count was about 108,000 and he still doesn't want to start chemotherapy. As long as his hemoglobin stays over 10, he's going to put off the treatment. Dad's 84, post-stroke and also has prostate cancer. We're afraid the chemo will really weaken him.
dadcarer
www.care2tell.com

thanks everyone for your comments..they sure were a lot of help. I don't have to back to the dr till april so all is well.Keep in touch everyone.