Mother suddenly got fever

[ABHINAVGARG]

My mother diagnosed with cll last year. We had a family function and everything was normal till yesterday. We had a drive if 4-5 hours back home. She was feeling sick. In the morning she had 102 temperature. She is in w&w. We took her to the doctor, it had been a very hectic two days. Is it normal or is it something to worry! Please help

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

High fevers are more of a concern with CLL when the neutrophil count is below the normal range, particularly when it is below 1,0 (normal range is above 1.8 or so). There's an increased risk of febrile neutropenia, which requires prompt IV antibiotics.

Do you know what your mother's last neutrophil count was - hopefully checked by her doctor when he saw her with that high fever?

Neil

[ABHINAVGARG in reply to AussieNeil]

Thank you for the reply. Her neutrophils are 37% as per the last report in 6th month

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to ABHINAVGARG]

That sounds promising, but it's the absolute count that's important. If you can't find the neutrophil count in her latest blood test, (it may be labelled Segs or Neuts), you can work out her neutrophil count by multiplying her WBC by 37%.

Neil

[ABHINAVGARG in reply to AussieNeil]

Her wbc is at 25,700 and ne is 8.9

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to ABHINAVGARG]

Your mother's neutrophil count is very good, though perhaps a bit on the high side because she has an illness that is causing her high fever.

[ABHINAVGARG in reply to AussieNeil]

So there is nothing to worry right?

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to ABHINAVGARG]

I'm not medically trained, but her immune system appears to be working quite well.

[ABHINAVGARG in reply to AussieNeil]

I have sent an email to the doctor as well. But thank you very much