CLL Counts Reducing.

[cartnpeg]

Hi, I am new to this site. I was diagnosed with CLL about 5yrs ago. I am watch and wait, with no signs of any symptoms.

On 3/04/2017 my white cell count was 86.9, Units 10^9/L, Range (4.0-11.0).

My Lymphocytes where 79.1, Units 10^9/L, Range (1.0-4.0).

Since the 3/04/2017 I have had blood tests every six months and my counts are decreasing.

Prior to that date my counts would fluctuate, sometimes up and sometimes lower, not by a great margin though.

I have had no treatment or changed my life style IE: Lousy diet, minimal exercise etc.

My most recent results show my WCC @ 40.6 same values as above.

Lymphocytes @ 32.1 same values as above.

Could anyone throw some light on why I seem to be heading towards, hopefully remission, with I assume my own immune system taking on my CLL.

Many thanks.

[Quarry]

Over the last 4 years, I too have had overall whites and lymphocytes on a decreasing trend, again without any change to life/lifestyle. Also I don't understand why this is happening and intend to ask next time I have a visit to haematologist (last lot of bloods were remote).

Sadly, I don't think this is on a path to natural remission.....my (and your) overall lymphocyte levels remain way above normal, and are are only decreasing in line with my total white cell levels, staying at around 70%-75% of white cell levels (though yours are now only 80% of whites from over 90%...). However, we will both keep hoping!

[cartnpeg in reply to Quarry]

Thank you Quarry. When I spoke to my hematologist, he did say that he has seen this happen on a few rare occasions and that in his opinion is a good thing.

Lets hope that for both of us and others that this continues and our counts come down to a less worrying level.

[Norcaldoglvr]

Oh this makes me hopeful! I was diagnosed in 2015 and saw my blood counts rise @ every 6 mos checkup—never dramatically enough to indicate I needed to start treatment, but still rising another 10-15k every single time until my last appt when, amazingly my counts had not changed in 6 months!! I laughingly told people it was because I retired and job stress was gone, but your post and the comments make me think there could be this small possibility. I have my next checkup in 2 weeks, so we’ll see. Fingers crossed there’s no change again.

[cartnpeg in reply to Norcaldoglvr]

All the best Norcaldoglvr, it is a nice feeling when your counts have not increased or they have dropped some.

[joed1rt]

My counts steadily increased from 40 to 60 over a few years and then suddenly dropped back to 42 again and have stayed there for the last couple years. My doc says that is completely normal and there are always fluctuations. It's the overall long term change that is important. It still feels great though