Are these numbers reason to see a hematologist

[wizzard166]

I may be overreacting in joining this group, and for asking this question, but a little history may help in understanding my paranoia. My Father died of CLL, so did his Mother, and also his Mother's Father.

I am 71. My white count has been rising since last September, when it was 12,600. At that time Absolute Lymph were High at 5.2, as were Absolute Neutrophils at 6.3. One month later White was 15,000 with Absolute Lymph 6.2 and Absolute Neut 7.6. Last month on Feb 15, 2018 my white count was 18,800 with Absolute Lymph 7.8 and absolute Neutrophil 9.3.

To those on this site who are somewhat knowledgeable about Hematology feel that I should see a Hematologist, or am I just too paranoid because of my family history?

[Newdawn Administrator]

No I don’t think you’re being paranoid wizzard, I think you’re being sensibly cautious and aware given your family history and undeniable increasing blood counts. The higher neutrophil count makes me wonder if you have an underlying self limiting infection but only a haematologist could tell you.

Please make an appointment and I wish you well that this has a non CLL explanation. However, should you need our support, it will be here in strength for you.

Newdawn

[wizzard166 in reply to Newdawn]

Thank you and the others very much. It is wonderful to have others to share with, when you have to go through a major change in life like CLL can be. I don't know that I'm beginning stages, and if so apparently very early, but three in a row in a direct line in my family (with my Father being the last one) certainly is a bit ominous. I mentioned it to a doctor one time years ago, and he reacted like I was absurd. He said this type of cancer is not known to be genetic. I don't care what the fool said, three in a row in a direct line is too much for coincidence. If medicine hasn't found evidence of genetic involvement yet with CLL; perhaps, they should look at my family tree

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

I would see a hemetologist at a major cancer center, clearly your CLL is Familial, like mine, and while treatment looks to be some time off for you, its good to get a bit of history into your file...

CLL doctors don't get very concerned until the absolute lymphocyte count [ALC] crosses the 30K line, then they monitor you for absolute lymphocyte count [ALC] doubling in 6 months, but certainly falling platelets and anemia can trigger treatment discussions.

So, if it was me, I would be looking for a CLL specialist or hemaetologist to consult... oncologist really aren't usually a good option.. but there are shining exceptions... an oncologist cured me of Richter's transformation.. a very rare thing...

~chris

[wizzard166 in reply to Cllcanada]

When I read on the lab report that Absolute Lymphocytes were 7.8, does that mean 7,800 ? If so then I understand how early in the illness I would be; if, I actually am beginning stages of CLL. My Father died at 71, and I'll be 71 March 30, but he wouldnt have died if he didnt do something foolish. He started dosing himself with Aspirin, and that led to internal bleeding. He had an HMO unfortunately, and they wouldnt see him when my Mother called scared because he was turning pale and sleeping throughout the day. If he had been seen on time, they obviously would have saved him; although, self dosing aspirin wasnt too bright. His Mother made it into her nineties, and from what I remember of her Father he too must have been around 90.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

If you give some idea of where you are others here may be able to point you in the direction of a good hematologist who focuses on CLL. You might want to lock your post first so you don't find in on google, or wherever. You also tend to get more answers. Click on the v next to more, then edit, then at the bottom of the post change the setting to community

[wizzard166 in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

When I click on the v next to More, the only choice is REPORT. There isnt anything to lock

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

It has to be on the original post at the top of the thread, not a reply within the thread. Hope that works. There have been some frustrating glitches with HU.