Is there a rel of wbc with RBC

[vinnet]

I am 66m, dx 9months ago, on wnw. My onco asked me to come after 3 months. He did not address my LACK of body energy issue. RBC is 4.4. WBC 21. It is slowly growing. No other symptons. I want to know if RBC, which is below normal, is connected with WBC?

vinnet

[AussieNeil Administrator]

Hi Vinnet,

Red blood cell and haemoglobin counts are a measure of your blood's capability to carry oxygen to your body cells. (Haemoglobin is a more accurate measure of this than your RBC. If your RBC/haemoglobin is low, you have anaemia, a common complication with CLL.) There's no direct relation between these counts and your WBC, (infection fighting blood cells) however there can be an indirect relationship. With CLL, the bone marrow can become infiltrated with CLL cells, reducing our body's capacity to make red blood cells.

If you search this community for posts on fatigue, you'll find that lack of energy is common with CLL and it can be a huge problem, even with a low WBC (for CLL). Importantly, you should be looking at your absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) to monitor your CLL, not your WBC. WBC includes a range of different infection fighting cells; we only need to track changes in the lymphocyte count.

Ask your GP to check for other causes of anaemia, such as folate/B12. Also many of us have found that our vitamin D levels are low and boosting them into the normal range improves our energy, as does improving our fitness. Again, there's lots of posts discussing this: healthunlocked.com/search/f...

Neil

[vinnet in reply to AussieNeil]

Thanks Neil for detailed explanation. Problem in India is that there is no CLL specialist. The Onco is disinterested in answering any question. I will try GP if he helps..

vinnet

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero in reply to vinnet]

Might make enquires at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. They are doing a number of CLL research projects.

~chris

[vinnet in reply to Cllcanada]

Thanks Chris. I will dig into TATA ....

[vinnet in reply to AussieNeil]

Neil

I see in many posts where fellow cllers are travelling. Also are continuing to work!! I feel so low that i need to lie down in bed. RBC is bit low but vitb12 or D are within normal range.

I really need help to know specific actions I shud take to improve the situation. I take no alcohol, dont smoke, only vegan food.

vinnet

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to vinnet]

See my reply to your question in Paula's post: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Neil