White count down

[Jasondorian]

White blood count reading two years ago was 29 now dropped to 21. Red blood count still very good. No specific changes in lifestyle. Pleased. Very unsure about chemo if ever needed in future. Many say will only give you 5 years xtra but not quality life. So new to this and so much to learn.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Welcome to our community Jason. Following our lymphocyte count (ALC) is a far more accurate way of monitoring our CLL than following our White Blood Cell (WBC) count, but it's highly likely that you have seen a notable drop in the former. With your lymphocyte count presumably going down, (and have you only had two blood tests two years apart?), provided your red blood cells/haemoglobin and platelets stay fine, you will probably not face chemotherapy treatment, but a non chemo treatment if you ever get to the stage of needing treatment.

Neil

[PlanetaryKim]

Hi Jason. Welcome. I guess you are in 'watch and wait' right now? There are various treatment options available if you come to a point where you need treatment. Not all are chemo. But not all options are available (or funded) for everyone. I am on ibrutinib right now, which is a non-chemo new drug. Working very well in my case.

good luck to you!

kim

[GMa27]

Your markers will determine your choices of treatment. I am 13q mutated. I did IV FCR chemo and reached remission in 3 cycles. It was uneventful and I am feeling great 7 months in remission. Oncologist say 5-10 years hopefully for me. If you are offered BR chemo....many have had that and are doing well. Ibrutinib is a daily oral meds that has a great success rate but does have side effects for some and pretty tolerable by most. If you can share your markers that could help us share more.

💕

[Panz]

Welcome, Jason! This is not a death sentence anymore like once was and there are just so many options and more in the pipeline. You have come to the right place as we area very caring, loving and have a lot of very knowledgeable people in this community. We all learn from each other. I have had CLL for 30+ years and am 2 weeks short of 3 months on Imbruvica 420 and justdoing great! A positive attitude, healthy diet, update immunizations and be your own advocate will all serve you very well! All the very BEST and please stay connected! 😍💕☘️🙏