Lymphocyte count

[JanChas]

I thought by virtue of the name that the lymphocyte count was important! My previous consultant, now apparently retired, always just mentioned this and said if it doubles in 6 months it is time for treatment. In March my count was 12 now its 22 in 3 months, my new consultant doesn't seem bothered by that but more my platelets which have dropped to 88! She says looking back at my previous readings that they do blip occasionally so she is leaving it another 3 months. What do you all think?

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Your new consultant is making the appropriate assessment. Doubling time becomes important once the lymphocyte count exceeds 30. Platelet counts bounce around a fair bit and they can safely stay just below 100 and not be a trigger for starting treatment, provided they remain stable.

Neil

[JigFettler Volunteer]

Hi!

The absolute Lymphocyte count is less important than the rate of increase. Doubling time is important. That's correct.

Equally a drop in platelet, and Hb, are important. As the CLL B cells increase in number they can cause a reduction in the marrow ability to make Hb and platelets. A sure sign that treatment needs to be considered.

What has your Hb level done in the last 3 months? Is that stable?

What was your platelet level in March? If the reduction has been great - perhaps a blood test in a month maybe reasonable. It depends on the blood level trends.

A repeat test is important. 3 months or 1 month... that's a personal choice. Generally there is no tearing hurry.

There are many reasons why treatment is needed. I had robust bloods, but

huge lymphnodes for example. It was the Lymphnode size that drove me to

FCR. With good effect.

Jig

[cajunjeff]

Trends are generally more important than static numbers. It seems your new doctor is more concerned with falling platelets than your relatively modest lymphocyte number.

That makes sense to me. As Neil writes, platelets can hold steady around the 100 number and be okay. If your platelets have been steadily falling though, I expect if they go down much further on your next labs your doctor will be discussing treatment options with you.

The good news is that we have lots of good treatment options these days.

[JanChas]

Thank you all for your comments.

My Hb has fallen from 138 to 133 and my platelets fallen from 120 to 88 in the last 3 months.