WBC and lymphocyte count

[elm1]

I went to my primary care doc for my yearly exam. My hematologist is next week so I’ll have another blood test. This CBC showed my wbc at 17.7 and my lymphocytes at 12.4. Four months ago my wbc were 12.9 and my lymphocytes were 8.4. I feel great. Should I worry that they’re higher?

[elm1]

I go every 4 mounts to be tested

[cajunjeff]

No you shouldn't worry they are higher. Your numbers reflect early stage cll. You have cll so you should expect to see your lymphocytes rise over time. Its the pace of how they rise that is most important and its hard to draw much of any conclusion about the pace of your cll based on just two sets of lab results taken so close in time. Your labs right now aren't that far off from normal. This is just a lay person opinion, but I suspect your doctor will not be that concerned with your labs at this point and just tell you to see you again next time. Good luck.

[elm1 in reply to cajunjeff]

Thanks so much for responding. I was diagnosed 2 years ago. In 2018 my Wbc was 15.4 and my lymphocytes were 5.4. The lymphocytes appear to be on an upward trend. I try not to get ahead of myself. I’m 69 years old and very active. Aside from a wonky blood test I wouldn’t think I had anything.

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to elm1]

No cause for concern there elm, that’s a pretty tiny rise and doctors don’t get too excited at lymphocytes until they’re over 30 anyway (and then only if they’re doubling in under 6 months).

Sounds like you’re doing well with a pretty slow moving CLL. Long may it last! 😊

Newdawn

[Big_Dee]

Hello elm1

You are doing great! My WBC went from 11K to 197K in 14 months. No need to worry yet, enjoy life.

[elm1 in reply to Big_Dee]

Wow. Do you feel ok? Are you being treated yet? I was wondering if lymphocytes go up and down or only up. I was concerned because mine appear to be on the upswing. Hope you’re well. Thanks for responding

[Big_Dee in reply to elm1]

Hello elm1

I am in full remission after B+R treatment. Feel great. No side effects other than minor effects during treatment, now 1 1/2 years post treatment. A lot of the CLL patients have lymphocytes that bounce up and down. Mine never did stabilize or go down. Doctor showed me chart of my blood work up, looked like a hockey stick. WBC went up 53K in one month. Blessing.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

Lymphocytes, especially under 30,000, can bounce around quite a bit. There have been people who have reported a fairly large jump in lymphs, with them then stabilizing at the higher number or even going back down.

[elm1 in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Thanks for that info.

[Cas61]

I have had cll for 5 years now. Mine go up and down all the time, like a yoyo. WBC has been as high as 18, lymphocytes at 9. Then they will drop to wbc 12, lymphocytes 6.7. I'm getting tested once a year right now.

[elm1 in reply to Cas61]

That sounds g

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer in reply to Cas61]

It sounds like you are officially a member of the boring patient club - best club here!

[elm1 in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

I hope so! I’m still a little skeeved out about the climbing lymphocytes. Seeing the hematologist Wednesday. You guys have all calmed me down. Thanks!!!

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer in reply to elm1]

I doubt that your doctor will consider your counts to even be "on the radar". If your other counts are good and your lymph nodes aren't acting up - boring!!! With my last specialist, who sadly moved (but I have a fantastic replacement) I would look at my labs before seeing her, and, if everything was in order, when she walked into the room I would ask, "Boring?" She would reply "Boring." A few pleasantries exchanged and I was out the door - my 5 minute appointments to make up for the hour+ ones I needed when new and terrified.

[elm1 in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Thanks so much for the encouragement. Now I’ll just worry about avoiding covid

Xox

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer in reply to elm1]

We're all in the same boat on that one?

[elm1 in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

And that’s the truth!