Flow Cytometry To rule out CLL: I have slightly... - CLL Support

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Flow Cytometry To rule out CLL

Skeetla profile image
9 Replies

I have slightly elevated WBC for the past 2 1/2 years, from the mid 12s - 15.5. I have been very fatigued with bone pain, but to osteoporosis. My PC sent me to an Oncologist/Hematologist for further testing. My Leukocyte percentage is in the normal range but my Leukocyte numbers are always up.

This was the report if found in my Patient portal today. This is good news, right. It’s how I’m interpreting it. 😁

Any input would be appreciated.

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Skeetla profile image
Skeetla
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9 Replies
AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeilAdministrator

Hi Skeetla and a brief welcome to our community.

That report is probably good news, because it shows that your raised leukocyte count is not due to a population of monoclonal lymphocytes. If the CLL/SLL immunophenotype pattern of CD19+, CD5+, CD23+ had been found in a clonal population, our welcome would have been much, much longer :) As the report says, it doesn't rule out a monoclonal population of myelocytes. Myelocytes are the non-lymphocyte white blood cells.

Did you mean to type "My Leukocyte percentage is in the normal range but my Leukocyte numbers are always up"? I ask, because that sentence doesn't make sense.

In the white blood cell differential section of your Complete Blood Count/Exam, which white blood cell type is in excess number (not percentage) wise? If it's your lymphocyte count, as I expect from the test ordered by your Oncologist/Hematologist, then you have very good news. Probably your leukocytosis (raised white blood cell count), is due to inflammation /infection, causing lymphocytosis (a raised absolute lymphocyte count).

Neil

Skeetla profile image
Skeetla

her comment was that "even when you % is in range your number of Leukocytes are still elevated in numbers. I have no clue about any of it! 🤷🏻‍♀️

Skeetla profile image
Skeetla

The last CBC was down, I’m not sure what prompted her to do the Flow Cytometry, except the numbers. I only know how she explained it.

Skeetla profile image
Skeetla

sorry, tried to show the results but, I can’t post the screenshot

Report
AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeilAdministrator in reply to Skeetla

That image worked. :) I don't know why your Oncologist/Hematologist ordered the flow cytometry test either, because you are a negligible amount outside of the lymphocyte count reference range for your lab, which is between 0.8 to 3.2. The range varies by lab, with my lab's upper range being 3.50. As you can see, your count of 3.43 is between our respective lab upper limits. Also, 5% of healthy people have counts outside the reference limits for their respective labs.

To put your lymphocyte count into perspective, you need a lymphocyte count of over 5.0 to be considered for a CLL diagnosis. (Raised lymphocyte counts aren't a particular concern for CLL, with our community members typically having counts in the 10 to 100 range, with some of us having counts of over 500 - and still not needing treatment.) Most doctors just order a retest some weeks after a high or low result, so perhaps yours is typically elevated, but at least you know you don't have a lymphocyte blood cancer.

Neil

Skeetla profile image
Skeetla

At least that is ruled out, thank goodness. Than you for your kindness.

IRN83 profile image
IRN83

Yes, I believe this is good news. And that you are now MRD Negative. But you should wait for your Oncologist to give you the proper interpretation.

My personal experience is that this is the beginning of another W&W time period..

I have had 5 different seasons of chemo with four different treatments. I was MRD Negative once (like you are now), but it only lasted two years. I am on the wrong side of the bell curve and my cancer is aggressive.

Each person responds differently to the chemo and your experience will be unique. I pray that this will be a long W&W for you.

Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator in reply to IRN83

I think there’s perhaps a misunderstanding in your response IRN83. Skeetla has never had a diagnosis of CLL so isn’t MRD negative and isn’t therefore beginning another W&W time period. It’s not a remission result. The results thankfully demonstrate no blood cancer of a lymphocyte type in the flow cytometry test.

Regards,

Newdawn

Doggoneit101 profile image
Doggoneit101

I can't advise you on blood work however I do have osteoporosis. I can tell you that I have bone pain in my legs from time to time do to osteoporosis. I have to take Prolia injections for osteoporosis. Hope this helps answer the bone pain mystery.

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