B Cell PLL, Ibrutinib, Extreme Fatigue, Low Haemoglobin, Enlarged Spleen

[B-PLL_Pakistan]

My father, 65 years old, was diagnosed with B Cell Prolymphocitic Leukemia in March 2017. He received 6 cycles of Chemotherapy (Rituximab+Bendamestine) Aug. 17 to Jan. 18.

Before chemo Spleen size became 29 cm and after chemo it reduced to 20 cm and blood figures became satisfactory.

After chemo he faced repeated chest infections and got hospitalized thrice.

The disease relapsed in Jan. 18 and now he is taking "ibrutinib" (Bangladesh made) from last 3 months.

Now he is hospitalized again for chest infection and flu. He is feeling severe fatigue and even can't talk. Haemoglobin dropped to 7.3 and received 500ml packed cells blood. His Haematologist is satisfied with blood but spleen size has again enlarged to 29.6 cm.

Is ibrutinib last option for the disease ? And can US made ibrutinib make difference ?

Please advise.

Aftab Khan

Quetta, Pakistan

[2003UK]

Hi, Aftab, I am in England and I am not able to answer medical questions and anyway I have found every person is special and unique and my medical team looks at so many different factors which it takes into account before deciding the best course of treatment for me. It must be so hard for you emotionally, practically and physically and the fact that you are actually completely powerless, I think it must be a scary place for you to be. What I have found is that I need to write down all my fears and questions so I can ask them when I get the chance. Take care of yourselves.