Do I need to worry?: My blood tests results were... - CLL Support

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Do I need to worry?

MalcT profile image
10 Replies

My blood tests results were very good until now, like normal.

The consultant even said I was in remission.

But the latest blood test is showing HB, RBC, WBC etc all under the recommended level.

No one said anything today at the Chemotherapy Unit. Only that some were a little bit low.

Is this a normal trend or do I have reason to be worried ?

I really need some reassurance as my wife and I on Thursday are off to Germany to visit

our children.

I left a message on the Haemotology answer phone but I am not sure if I will get an answer in time.

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MalcT profile image
MalcT
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10 Replies
lankisterguy profile image
lankisterguyVolunteer

Hi MalcT,

-

It is challenging to answer your question without specific data, and your CNS or medical team should respond with recommendations based on that data.

-

In the interim while you wait for an expert answer- here are some suggestions.

A slightly low RBC & HB is usually called anemia, and might result in fatigue or out of breath after climbing stairs.

See

cancer.org/cancer/managing-...

webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/und...

-

The low WBC needs to be compared to the different components of that count

- is the ANC / Neutrophil# below 1.0? Then infections might be a concern.

If your ALC / Lymphocyte# is low- that would be normal for a CLL patient in remission.

-

Please talk with your medical team and get an informed, detailed explanation based on the actual data from your blood test.

-

Len

MalcT profile image
MalcT in reply tolankisterguy

Thank you Len for your explanation. It has put my mind to rest.

NoMoRLS profile image
NoMoRLS

Take it easy. Somethings going on. Since you're traveling Take extra precautions for your immunity. Maybe even a mask on certain places. I know I know ..but your system is fighting off something. Don't cancel any of your plans. Heck No! You go and enjoy. Be cautious and you'll be fine. Happiness is the best defense against bugs and diseases so find your happy 😊.

Best wishes. Safe travels.

MalcT profile image
MalcT in reply toNoMoRLS

Thank you. We don't cancel our trip. As we're only visiting our children we are not going into crowds. As this is all new to me as for everyone else sometimes I worry more than nessesary.

LarryK profile image
LarryK

I cannot respond to your situation specifically. I have been in remission for two cancers (NHL & prostate. My blood tests have had high and low values for the past decade. Readings a bit out of range have never been directly addressed, nor did they portend ominous consequences. That said, only your doctor will be able to ease your worry. Good luck.

MalcT profile image
MalcT

Thank you. A doctor from Haematology called me and gave me assurance.

leopardo profile image
leopardo

Not sure 100% MalcT what you’re saying here. I presume you’re in chemo now and your blood scores have gone down which is probably quite normal as the chemo does it work. Blood scores should bounce back to normal or near normal levels after chemo is all over. Am sure that you have a hematologist in charge of all this in the first place.

I myself who during my 20 years of CLL and a more recently a related non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has always been pretty active, have had two major rounds of chemo plus radiation resulting in permanent “moderate” heart damage/disease, neuropathy in my feet and permanent loss of taste and smell. It’s been almost two years now for all of these things since the most recent ABVD, COPP chemos and radiation. And the heart was being simultaneously monitored as we went through the chemo and radiation.

My point here is that you should talk to your caregivers and make sure you understand the risks entailed.

You don’t say much about your background. I have lived with CLL for a long time - over 20 years and which is officially now in remission as is the above mentioned lymphoma. Am now living with the effects of the therapy also mentioned above.

I would love to taste a big hamburger again or my mother’s spaghetti and special meatballs, etc.

You hang-in. I sense that you have a long way to go still. Go to Deutschland and enjoy the family!

PS: As of yesterday I am 81 years old! Again, you hang-in.

Leopardo

MalcT profile image
MalcT

I really don't know how long I had CLL before the diagnoses. Last year August my blood test came back with HB/RBC etc all red flagged. From there I went healthwise downhill.

I was diagnosed in 2018 with an enlarged spleen and a lump on my lungs. They put me on the cancer fast track but never followed it up.

But from last year on my spleen grew and my weekly blood tests got worse each time.

Still it took until May to receive the diagnoses of CLL and the consultant from the Haemalogy put me on the cancer pathway with immediatly start of treatment with O. every week and V. one month later.

I am now 76 years old. The Doctors in West Sussex were really not intrested in a then 75 year old. So we moved back to Essex and everything was sorted at last.

I was by then so weak that they gave me the SR1 form.

This is the short version.....

skipro profile image
skipro

Good morning,

What treatment did you get or are getting?

How long ago was the treatment if finished?

Do you have the numbers for HB, RBC, WBC etc

skipro

MalcT profile image
MalcT

hello skipro......I am on Obinutuzumab infusions and Venetoclax 400mg tablets. The O will end in October and V will end next year in July/August.

I know my blood test are not that bad, not even close but as they were so good/normal

I started panicking....thinking not it starts again.

HB from 143 last month to now 132

WBC from 7.2 to 3.9

Platelets from 186 to 128

Neutrophils from 2.8 to 4.5

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