Starting Treatment for CLL and SLL

[GreatGrams]

I was diagnosed 6 years ago. After my annual physical my physician sent me to a hematologist because my WBC was staying a bit above normal. I get bronchitis and pneumonia frequently. My lymphnodes have begun to be slightly enlarged. I'm exhausted and have given up things I love. My WBC IS 33.8 Lymph %66 and Lymph #21.8. I have a friend with much higher numbers but not as tired and not having infections. Does the dr pay more attention to how I am feeling and frequent illness than the lab results.

[SofiaDeo]

Multiple or continuous infections are a reason to look at starting treatment. Especially if you aren't feeling well. All my numbers looked normal except lymphocytes, I hadn't yet started having multiple infections, although I had been having a tooth infection that wouldn't clear up for mmm 6 months. And I felt so awful, I couldn't concentrate at work or even finish a work day. I got treatment started before any of the other cell numbers started to change. So at least some docs will look at the infection pattern/how you feel. Plus, you yourself can tell lymph nodes are changing. I'd say there is a strong possibility it's time to treat.

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi GreatGrams,

-

I see you just joined us today, and you have not filled out your profile, but from your word choices it appears you are in the USA. So first off, are you seeing a CLL expert or a community hematologist?

-

If no CLL expert is involved yet, we suggest that you get a 2nd opinion- you can do that at no cost from your home - cllsociety.org/programs-and...

Or follow this idea cllsociety.org/newly-diagno...

And look here for a expert to aid / advise your local medical team: cllsociety.org/newly-diagno...

-

Fatigue is one of our most common problems, and figuring out the cause is a challenge for your local doctors to address. Either or both of your GP and local hematologist may need to dig deep into "differential diagnosis" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffe... to consider things like anemia or from numerous causes, like iron, B12, D3, etc.

-

The docs will step through many potential issues before deciding that treatment for your CLL would be appropriate. I've had treatment for my CLL due to fatigue 3 times, so it is possible, but not usually the first choice.

-

Your frequent infections could be handled by monthly infusions of IVIG webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/imm... , but that also requires a doctor to eliminate other possible issues first.

-

Please ask more questions and help us help you by giving us more history in your profile,

healthunlocked.com/user/Gre...

here is an example: healthunlocked.com/user/Sof...

or mine: healthunlocked.com/user/lan...

-

Len