Hi can someone clarify how much we are at risk from the Coronavirus
ie untreated on Watch and wait to being treated at this moment in time.
There is so many articles out there I am getting confused, Also do I need to buy more Toilet Rolls or am I missing something.
Tesco's last Thursday there was none left, I do have an abundant sock draw which if push came to shove I could re-cycle 
Jules flying at half mast
I would not know how to "clarify" the risk of coronavirus to us with cll. I think the consensus of opinion is that those of us with cll have a greater risk of having a poor outcome if we catch corona. That seems clear enough to me.
Your question seems to be more along the lines of can someone "quantify" that risk for us. I don't think anyone can do that other than to say your risk is greater if you have more advanced stage cll with a severely compromised immune system and live in an area where corona cases are being reported and your risk is less if you have early stage cll and live in an area where no corona cases have been reported.
Your doctor can probably give you the best feedback on how intact or not your immune system is and what extra precautions you might should take above and beyond what everyone else should do.
And I might be choosy if I were you about wearing recycled socks.
It’s so confusing. I am wanting to fly from California to Houston on Saturday to get a second opinion. The flight is just under 4 hours. My blood is mostly normal except ALC is really high. My immunoglobulin levels are just below the normal zone. Should I or shouldn’t I fly? Lol what’s the right answer? Doctors are saying follow the CDC info.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I don't think there is some right or wrong answer to your question. Staying at home would probably be safer. So that's the easy answer.
But we take risks every day. I know people get killed in auto accidents. So if someone asks if its safe to drive somewhere, the easy answer is you are safer staying at home. I like to swim in the Gulf of Mexico. But it does increase my chances of getting bit by a shark or stung by a stingray (crikey).
I personally would go, but I am not a very good barometer for making wise decisions.
My suggestion would be to call the doctor's office of the doctor you are seeing in Houston, or your local doctor, and ask them if they think the risk of travel is acceptable.
And its not like there is not risk in not going. If you do not go you take the risk of missing out, for now, on valuable information about your cll. Its not like we are talking about a trip you are taking to see a concert. I might take more risk to see a doctor than a concert.
But you must know there is no absolute right or wrong answer. You just have to use your best judgment. I plan on flying to a wedding of one of my partners sons in Arizona in three weeks. The situation is so fluid, I might easily change my mind before then.
Thanks, for taking the time to reply. I know the hospitals are taking precautions and the airline is constantly cleaning. My doctor here says to follow CDC guidelines. So not much help. I think I’ll give it two more days and maybe it will come down to flipping a coin. LOL
Have a great day!
Given the anticipated spread of the new coronavirus, the currently very small risk will increase over time.
Hi Neil,
I hope you are doing well! So, do you think its better to go now than later?
Definitely!
People are canceling air travel plans left and right despite very few, if any, reports of people getting corona from a domestic US flight. It’s inevitable someone will get corona from a flight, we have millions flying everyday.
So imagine the panic once a handful of people are said to get corona from a flight. That’s a long way of saying things will get a lot worse before they get better. Just my opinion though.
Hello Smac29
I would consider with your blood numbers, if you even need a second opinion now. Sounds like you have a lot of time to get second opinion. There is also a lot of very good CLL Specialists in California. There is also a reasonable chance that the will abate in summer. Blessings.
The plane itself should be good. They have HEPA air filters a bit like the ones used to supply Operating Theatres. Air generally moves laterally and you can use the nozzle thing to keep peoples outbreathings encroaching on you. However I would clean hard surfaces s especially arms and table top. I would avoid crowds, let the herd gallop on and off first. If you can treat yourself to lounge access and upgrade your ticket. It is the before and after at the airport as much as the flight.
Hi TheFlyer 🙋♀️I'm with You!!! I'm on Watch & Wait also. I think we should be preventive and cautious as to washing hands, using sanitizers if you have, I mix alcohol and water too, and no greeting with hands etc. Very important!!! No large gatherings, conferences, also hospital visits to others if possible limit etc. You're funny😁😄😅🤣😂, I was thinking the same limited TP, I always try to buy extra!!! I cant believe it!!!.❤ feel good , yours in Health Debbie🙋♀️.
If toilet paper is the focus, I’d consider moving to the Deep South...whenever there’s a disaster predicted down here, the liquor store shelves are empty.
Dang it, I knew I forgot something! LOL 😂 I'm on it today.
There is no question most would consider people with CLL to be immunocompromised to some degree, the only thing I have heard is 1) those treated with traditional chemo that lowers most lines of white cells, lymph’s and neutrophils are going to be significantly more at risk than the general population and those on Ibrutinib will have had or will be in the process (depending on how long they have been on Ibrutinib) of a level of reconstitution of their immune system specifically the “humoral” components that being the antibodies and cells that make them (lymphocytes) so that’s good news for CLL patients on Ibrutinib
Viral infections are managed by the bodies humoral response and patients on Ibrutinib will have that component somewhat reconstituted so their risk might not be that bad.......
But I am NOT an expert. This is just what I’ve heard from our doctor
I don't have an answer but I have some impressions from our travels yesterday. We flew across the US, leaving from a hotspot. Saw three masks and about that many gloves the whole day. People don't touch public surfaces if they can help it. Everybody is calm and carrying on. My view - the media is trying to drive this but they need to leave it up to the medical experts.
Buying up toilet rolls, bottled water...I don't get it either.
BTW, my labs are excellent, actually inside normal, so my immunity is very good.
marcyh
I am closely watching all posts about this darn virus! My husband was diagnosed 4 years ago, blood results have all be steady since then. He last saw specialist in February and discussed an upcoming trip we have planned from Toronto to San Diego. At that time, she said all was fine, go ahead and just follow good hygiene practices.
Our trip isn’t till April 24th. Our plan right now is to proceed, but he will contact his specialist as time gets closer to revisit situation. We know she can’t make our decision for us, but we need to be informed as much as we can.
Oh and other than this site, I’m staying off social media!!!
I am one month into treatment and live in an area with confirmed COVID-19 and an area where the Governor has declared a state of emergency. I asked my health team yesterday if I should refrain from going to work. There answer was no. They told me to wash hands and stay away from sick people. I was actually surprised and their answer. I took it upon myself to work from home, order groceries online, and eat all meals at home. If you fly wear a mask A second opinion can be helpful if it determines your treatment decisions.
The 119 "help" line story continues. and continues. and continues
My CLL, where is the finishing line?
Paranoid: Would It Be Misguided To "Request" 2nd-Line Treatment?
First line
