update results of tests

[21Bedlam21]

I’ve had several tests over the past few weeks and just wanted to update the group. The chest X rays have shown there is more blunting around my lungs and the respiratory team want me to have a CT scan. I was trying to avoid any more X rays CT etc because of my CLL. Is it not good to have too many of these? I’m now concerned about having one. I had an ultrasound on my implants and gladly they don’t think they are ruptured which was one of my concerns in my last post. They are very creased so fingers crossed they last and I don’t have to have them removed. My white blood count has increased according to my Dr who did some blood tests. I have my big blood tests in September then see my Consultant in October, does this mean I may have to have treatment soon? I’m still on watch and wait and would like to continue this if possible. I was in a bit of a panic last time but have calmed down now. Thank you for all your support.

[LeoPa]

What is blunting? Why do they want you to have a CT? What is it that gives you more anxiety? The CT itself or the possible findings of the CT?

[21Bedlam21 in reply to LeoPa]

It has not been explained why my lungs are blunting and I don’t know what that means. It’s the respiratory team that have asked for a CT scan so I need to speak to my Dr to find out why the CT scan perhaps to give them a better view of my lungs . The anxiety was incase I had to have my implants removed, and a decision as to whether I replaced them or left them. Also the increased white blood count, and if I am heading towards treatment.

[PoisonDwarf]

Hi 21Bedlam,

I am definitely no expert but I have had a lot of CT scans, several ultrasound scans, most recently a bone scan & MRI. Scan anxiety is a real thing.

From what you've said, there have been different reasons for your doctors to request imaging. I think they are being cautious and using it to rule out what is not causing the blunting. Have you been having trouble with breathing at all? Blunting is not a term I know specific details of but annual chest CTs since 2019 has taught me scary medical terminology I never knew existed! Lung scarring & nodules are not uncommon even in those who do not have CLL.

Not all symptoms are related to CLL and doctors here won't order CT or ultrasound without a reason. I take the view that it's better to know if there is something else brewing that x-rays don't explain.

As far as your CLL goes, are you having any B symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, excessive fatigue or anemia enlarged nodes or spleen? Increasing lymphocytes alone is not an automatic trigger for treatment or has your specialist said you maybe near treatment?

It seems a conversation with your primary & CL doctor could help alleviate your concern.

Best wishes,

Lynn

[21Bedlam21 in reply to PoisonDwarf]

Thank you for your advice. I’m having a CT scan soon, no date yet. It was requested by the respiratory team. I have night sweats and fatigue. I have had pneumonia a couple of times. In my last CT scan to look at my lymph nodes they said there was no sign of blunting. I’ve had 3 X rays on my chest recently and they saw blunting. I’m not vey knowledgeable about CLL as I’m on watch and wait so it’s good to get some advice from you all on this site.

[SofiaDeo]

People with lymphoma can have lung problems. Since CLL is a form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, it's possible for us to have fluid or other problems in our lung area.

When the normal structure of the lung is abnormal on a scan, that's "blunting." It's a term used as a description of what is seen on the scan. I'm reading how a common one is called "blunting of the costophrenic angle". If it were me, I'd let my docs investigate this. It could be a former or newly present lung disease, something from years of being a smoker, a few other things.

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It could be a result of old disease or injury, or not. But why not check it out? Better to see if something is possibly wrong, than ignore it hoping it's nothing. Then you don't have to deal with something that got worse instead of better, because it wasn't investigated & treated earlier.

[21Bedlam21 in reply to SofiaDeo]

I had a CT scan last year to do with the lymph nodes and it didn’t show up then. It’s recent chest X Rays that have shown my lungs are blunting, I’ve had 3 . I’m having a CT scan soon, no date yet. I’ve never smoked so not down to that but have had pneumonia a couple of times. Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it.