New blood work

[Floridagirl49]

WBC has dropped by 11000 from first bloodwork. Platelets have dropped too but I think he needs more green leafy ... not extremely low but enough to be concerning to me. Lymph absolutes have dropped. Is that an encouraging sign or does it just fluntuate that much?

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Fluctuations in white blood cell count [WBC] are very common, and under 30,000 (30K) they aren't much concern with regards CLL.

absolute lymphocyte count [ALC] is the important count to monitor in CLL, it is the best at showing progression trends. They fluctuate under 30K

absolute neutrophil count [ANC] is also important track, since patients can become neutropenia and are at a high risk for infections, often from food.

Platelet drops, might be due to lack of exercise, they like to party in the spleen... but the point of concern is if platelet counts drop into the 90s for extended periods...

~chris 🇨🇦

[Floridagirl49 in reply to Cllcanada]

Thank you so much...

[cujoe]

FG, As others here have probably mentioned, absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) is more significant than WBC, but a drop in WBC could be a positive sign. You will likely find some noticeable fluctuation in lab results - up and down - over time. Its the longer term trends that are used to monitor progression - or better, lack thereof.

Also, my platelets have been below the normal low range of 150 for most of my 12 years since diagnosis with no issues of bleeding, bruising, or for two non-CLL related surgeries. Just saying; i.e., not anything to lose sleep (or tears) over at this point. Be Well - cujoe

[Floridagirl49 in reply to cujoe]

Thank you!!! I’m encouraged that the lymph absolute had decreased over three weeks. The lymph nodes have also visibly shrunk on his neck. Thanks for platelet info. That assures me. ❤️💕

[vinnet in reply to cujoe]

Hello cutie

I am male 67 dx cll over 2yrs ..

I find u mention 12 years on wnw...

This is my dream too. Anything special you did or do, to get this nice wnw?

Best wishes

Vinnet

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer in reply to vinnet]

There is no magic way to achieve a long Watch and Wait. A healthy diet and exercise are advised. Also, having your vitamin D and B vitamin levels checked, especially B12, and working with your doctor to find the right supplement dose if your count is low. Checking B12 is especially important if you are a vegetarian.

[cajunjeff]

I think most likely its just a fluctuation, unless he is treating for it. I had a series of blood tests at diagnosis over three days. My wbc fluctuated over 20k up and down over just those three days.

We always look for trends that happen over time, not isolated fluctuations. WBC for untreated cll will almost always trend up. Some with indolent cll might see a very slow trend that never requires treatment. Some see wbc double in a very short time. Others see a gradual climb.

Personally I found it best not to get too excited when mine went down a bit and not too freaked out when it went up.

Blood work has been less stressful for me since starting ibrutinib. My wbc has gone steadily down and my platelets steadily up.