headache

[Shazna]

I have been having been headaches for while now and my Lymphocyte count, blood 3.43 (High) and been like that for 6 months I worried. Is this something to be concerned about.

thank you

[Poodle2]

Hi Shazna, sorry to hear about your headaches. Can you share more about your blood numbers? Is your Hb low/lower? It can cause headaches. Hope you are also watching your water intake? Any enlarged nodes at the back of your head? I would speak to your GP about it but also mention it to your CLL specialist.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Hi Shazna,

Your lymphocyte count is only a tad high. The upper reference limit varies from lab to lab and your results would be within the normal range for some labs. Also, around 5% of people have healthy ranges just above or below the reference ranges. Your lymphocyte count might just be slightly elevated because you have some inflammation or an infection.

You've asked your question to a community supporting people with the most common Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The median age of diagnosis is around 70 and it's quite rare to be diagnosed in your 40s with CLL. The diagnosis of any blood cancer requires the identification of a clonal population of blood cells, by a flow cytometry blood test. Your doctor would probably only consider arranging such a test if your lymphocyte count was increasing, which you note is not the case. Other typical signs of developing CLL are increased fatigue, anaemia, bruising, swollen nodes, drenching night sweats, more and longer infections.

I hope you can find another cause for your headaches, given it's highly unlikely to be due to CLL.

Neil

[Katie-LMHC-Artist]

Good morning from Boston. My headaches are due to being on Acalabrutinib. I am seeing my CLL specialist today to discuss switching medication. Your headaches may be due to medication. Hope this helps! Take care!👩‍🦳

[Stamphappy]

Hello, Shazna. Any cancer diagnosis will increase anxiety and stress. I use green teas and water for headaches as I'm not a fan of taking medications unless I've just got to take it.I find green tea, ginger peach turmeric, or ginger lemon herbal teas really help relax me and help me unwind. I haven't tried chamomile yet. If that doesn't work, I drink a few glasses of water (dehydration can cause headaches). Maybe tea could help take the edge off. I hope you find answers soon.