Some questions...

[KHuff]

Hi, I was diagnosed with CLL a year ago and am on watch & wait. I'm wondering why the lymphocyte number actually decreases sometimes? Also, I have been sick a lot lately even though my numbers are better. Any tips on staying well? Thanks.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Yes lymphocytes go up and down all the time, you can have a 10K change in a few hours...

If you are continually getting ill with bacterial infections perhaps talk to your hemetologist about your immunoglobulin levels...

~chris

[Fiona2014]

KHuff:

I query the same,

Like you, I'm still on WW with recent labs indicating incremental changes. However, in reviewing the trends, my lymphocytes are gradually increasing while neutrophils, platelets, RBC, Hemoglobin, WBC are fluctuating (increasing at times then decreasing in numbers). Like you, I query if behaviors (my choice in nutrition, environments, etc) can modify the results.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer in reply to Fiona2014]

Dr Susan LeClair has some very good videos on Patientpower.info about understanding your blood work and things that can affect your counts. Definitely worth watching!

[Fiona2014 in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Thanks for the information.

My follow up (4 month) visit to cancer agency is pending this week, this info would be good - as a standpoint to discussion. I find these appointments grueling... a disconnect between mind and body (feeling that ones' body is letting you down).

Warmest regards,

F

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer in reply to Fiona2014]

Take a recording device or use a phone app at appointments. I think most of us,especially the first couple of years, as well as when treatment is being discussed, tend to shut down mentally at some point in appointments when things start to feel overwhelming.

[Fiona2014 in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Phone app sounds doable....will try!

- thanks for sharing strategies-

[Oleboyredw-uk in reply to Fiona2014]

Other counts can fluctuate as well. What you are looking for is trends. I had two months where platelets dropped but then recovered. Just depends on what work your blood is doing (cut, infection etc etc)

Rob

[Fiona2014 in reply to Oleboyredw-uk]

I guess this really speaks to taking a step back - trying not make assumptions and looking at time as a friend.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge!