3 years on Ibrutinib

[Bmarbler]

My ALC is slowly going up after 3 years on Ibrutinib. It is now 4.5 up from 2.6. I have no other symptoms. How high does my ALC have to go for me to start another treatment, that is, if I still have no other symptoms such as swollen glands or enlarged spleen? MRD is positive, 53%.

[Smith123456]

depends on if the trends keep going up.

[shazie]

You should follow the numbers over time. How often do you do your CBC? Also, sometimes you might get lab error. Don't panic with one test result.

[pc119111]

I'm a similar situation where my ALC went from 4.3 to 8.2. Also 3 years on Imbruvica. It's easy to freak out. I certainly did. Still do. Just have to wait and see what the next test says.

[Bmarbler in reply to pc119111]

I freaked out, too. My doctor discussed Venetoclax as the next treatment for me if my ALC continues to show an upward trend. It's a little scary because of the potential side effects of Venetoclax. I take blood tests every 3 months. Next time will be the end of November.

[Canuck901 in reply to Bmarbler]

The side effects of Venetoclax are usually less than ibruntnib