NEWBIE....Hello to all. Diagnosed with CLL in 2010. Started treatment (IMBRUVICA 425) in December of 2018. My recent CT scan shows that my lymphs have shrunk to half their original size before treatment. I'm feeling 90% better than I have in a long time. But I am puzzled....I just received my CBC from my March doctor appt. and my WBC number jumped way up (for me that is...) typically when I've felt like crap before with my body trying fighting a virus or bronchitis with fever; my WBC jumps up to 33....
But my recent bloodwork shows them up to 88 right now. What the heck!?? I don't feel sick....no fever.... Asked the doctor about this and he said that my WCB will be all over the place with CLL. It was never like that before treatment. I am bewildered.
Anyone else experienced this.
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KandiKandi
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WBC normally goes up when initially starting imbruvica. all the white cells that were stuffing your lymph nodes are now being pushed out into your blood stream so they register higher. eventually it will start going down again
Hi KandiKandi. I’m glad to read that the Imbruvica is doing what it is supposed to be doing! My main question is around process. How long ago was your blood draw? It feels unfortunate that you spent time concerned about this pretty basic known action of initial treatment and felt compelled to ask your question here instead of getting the information from your doc. Was a follow-up scheduled after your initial bloodwork?
I know how scary it can be. In fact, we jumped to the same number, as I recall. Maybe the difference is that I’m in a trial, so I get tested, and then immediately go up for my appointment. So, my “shock and awe” at that huge jump lasted only about ten minutes before it was explained to me. I just hope our docs appreciate our need-to-understand at these crucial moments.
Exactly!! Why didn't he tell me this information when I asked the question. : / I am so grateful that I came upon this forum.
My blood draw was taken at the time of my 3-month checkup. I called a week or so later to get a copy of my bloodwork. Once I had it in hand and looked it over...my reaction was
YIKES! Why isn't my doctor concerned about this?! So I called him to talked it over. Of course I had to make an appointment...
Anyway, I came away from that followup appointment very disheartened. I have decided to try another Oncologist with patient reviews that testify to this particular doctor's ability and willingness to e x p l a i n the ins-and-outs of the disease as well as the medication.
Here's to hoping for a new and im proved experience.
My husband's numbers were all over the place.....in the beginning.....After a year, his numbers (all of them) were in the normal range!!! First time in 5 years!
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