WBC scores 4 months on Imbruvica

[Phyllis731]

I have been on Imbruvica since late December 2020. My WBC count was 357K. one 480 mg tab daily along with 2X daily acyclovir. My score has decreased each month and yesterday was 68K...My doctor expects I will be back to normal count within a couple more months. I thank God, it is working for me. The only side effects have been bruising and peticheae spots, which are also subsiding greatly. I continue to be exhausted by even small tasks, but otherwise am doing well. I am also very grateful that the social worker at the clinic I go to has managed to get the Imbruvica paid for via grants and maybe the pharmaceutical co. I would not be able to afford it. I wish all of you here the same continuous healing. Blessings. Phyllis Robinson

[Strube]

Lovely news Phyllis. Many congratulations xxx

[Milla15]

Good news Phyllis! Long may your great progress continue.

[Youngen]

That’s great news! Congrats!!! I have been on it since November with only minor side effects which are subsiding in time. My WBC is decreasing very slowly but it’s in the right direction and my specialist is confident that I’ll eventually get within range. My haemoglobin, platelets and immunoglobulins all greatly improved and are in range for the first time in years. Miracle drug!!

[chif888]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing the GREAT news. That had lifted me up as I am about to start Imbruvica and have been worrying about severe side effects. Please allow some questions about your 'achievement'. Is there some particular diet you have used during the treatment ? Why do you take acyclovir along with Imbruvica ? Is acyclovir mainly to aid Imbruvica ?

[Phyllis731 in reply to chif888]

No special diet. My hemotologist says that I should take acyclovir along with the Imbruvica and that's what I'm doing. Sorry, I don't really know why. I've tried to research and read up on all of this stuff, but I still have only a basic understanding of CLL. I believe my doctor is up on most of the latest treatment options and I follow her suggestions.

[SofiaDeo]

Acyclovir is to prevent herpes infections.....shingles are a real risk, and affect us more than just cold sores. Anyone with a history of chickenpox infection is at risk for shingles. The virus hides in our nerve roots, and come out under stress/immune function dysfunction. There is no medicine to completely eliminate the virus, it can only be prevented/managed.

[Phyllis731 in reply to SofiaDeo]

Thanks Sofia...now I remember that about acycovir. One possible side effect of Imbruvica is sores in the mouth.

[chif888]

Thanks for the info. Maybe your doctor had prescribed the acyclovir along with Imbruvica for some other underlying conditions ? Anyway I hope your GOOD news will even get better in the coming months, and the CBC will go back to normal soon.