Riffing On My Latest Lab and CT Results - CLL Support

CLL Support

23,339 members40,047 posts

Riffing On My Latest Lab and CT Results

bkoffman profile image
bkoffmanCLL CURE Hero
2 Replies

I just posted an update on the good news on my lab, CT scans, and general CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) status on my blog bkoffman.blogspot.com but of course I veer off into discussions of CT scans, residual disease and future therapies.

Written by
bkoffman profile image
bkoffman
CLL CURE Hero
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
2 Replies
Mikey47 profile image
Mikey47

Congratulations Brian on your continuing good results.

As regards CT scans we also need to take into account that those of us with 17p and 11q are more sensitive to ionising radiation and have impaired ability to repair DNA damage. Ionising radiation is very good at breaking DNA double strands.

I have taken this up with my consultant who is sympathetic but having put my concerns to the trial team I have received an emphatic 'NO' I can't substitute MRI for CT scans. I'm having scans (neck to pelvis) every 3 months, my next one, on 28th August.

A Royal College of Radiology document I have describing the process of 'justification' and guidelines suggests the factors to be considered, including:

"3.2.4 Understanding the immediate and cumulative radiation effects. This is of particular importance in exposures involving high radiation dose especially when there is a likelihood that repeated imaging will be required, for example for the long-term monitoring of malignant disease. In these cases the risk to benefit ratio of the imaging procedure should be presented explicitly to the patient through discussion between the referrer (usually an oncology specialist) and the practitioner (the clinical radiologist)".

Have you kept a record of your accumulated radiation dosage? You said you've had probably 24 scans, were they whole body? I found this helpful for estimated risk xrayrisk.com

Hope your results continue to be so good.

bkoffman profile image
bkoffmanCLL CURE Hero in reply toMikey47

Agreed. It just doesn't happen. I did switch to MRIs before the trial. Ironically, the only good news is that being 63, the risk of a secondary cancer developing is lower with only 2 or 3 decades ahead of me.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Weighing the risks and benefits of CT scans in childhood - and the implications for adult scans

While thankfully, CLL specialists are now recommending significantly less use of CT scans for...
AussieNeil profile image
Partner

Dr. O'Brien on Trial Design, CT scans and the one and only place for FCR.

Friends, Please check out my blog: http://bkoffman.blogspot.com to hear my last interview from...
bkoffman profile image
CLL CURE Hero

REsults from CT scan

I have been diagnosed in August 2020 with CLL. When I went for my CT scan the Dr sitting in on the...
Oceanbly profile image

CT scan results

Yesterday, my husband had a telephone appointment with his consultant which was brought forward...
very profile image

Impact of CT and pet scan on chemo drugs

I am under chemo immunotherapy of Bendsmustin and Rituximab. Finished 4 cycles and next one due on...
venk_46 profile image

Moderation team

See all
CLLerinOz profile image
CLLerinOzAdministrator
AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeilAdministrator
Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.