Since being on Imbruvica 425....WBC has climbed to greater number....

[KandiKandi]

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.

[Hidden]

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

[KandiKandi in reply to Hidden]

Thank you "Nixon" for your reply. It was a welcomed relief! Onward we go!

[jeandorinski]

I started imbruvica 420 in Feb 2019 my doctor told me they could increase significally before they went down.

[KandiKandi in reply to jeandorinski]

Thank you Jean for the confirmation of what many others have posted as well. Much appreciated.

[Lily_Pad_Master]

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.

Glenn

[KandiKandi in reply to Lily_Pad_Master]

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.

Thanks for the reply Lilly_Pad. Much appreciated.

[Lily_Pad_Master in reply to KandiKandi]

You're welcome, Kandi. Do you know if there's a CLL specialist near you?

Glenn

[kathymac52]

By the way....how is your fatigue? Any better?

[kathymac52]

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!

[KandiKandi]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. You have confirmed what others are saying kathymac!

[kathymac52]

Hey good friend, you are going to feel so much better. Stay the course, it will happen