Re: help in figuring out stage of CLL - Sheela

[Guest guest]

Classical CLL -

Here are the things in those results that are noteworthy:

Slightly elevated white count (WBC)

High percentage of lymphocytes (83%)

Multiply the white count by the lymph percentage (20000 times 83%), you get 16600, which is a high number for lymphocytes, very typical for CLL.

Red counts are lowish but OK.

Platelets are fine.

Most important issue is the massive spleenomegaly (swollen spleen).

If it were not for that, I would say you are a good candidate for waiting a bit and seeing what develops.

The swollen spleen would indicate active disease. Since your red counts are OK, you do not have anemia (sometimes can cause a swollen spleen). Therefore, spleen is likely swollen because of cancerous lymphocytes.

You should discuss with your doctors the issue of spleenomegaly and its importance. You might require early treatment just because of that.

Let us know.

Best, Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.

[Guest guest]

Sheela - be sure the docs take all this into account and do not get excessively aggressive - I've seen cases of older patients being mishandled by over zealous docs -- ..... - Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.

[Guest guest]

Thanks a lot, there was an overwhelming response from all of you. Thanks , Fred, Pat, and Lon for all the useful contact info and guidance. We are hoping to get her in to see a specialist soon. Just scary as we are new to this. She is 70 years old and diabetic. Has blood pressure also, I really hope she can withstand all the meds. Sheela.

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[Guest guest]

Sheela - 's advice, as usual, is important to consider. At the same time don't feel that your mother-in-law's age is a critical factor as long as it is taken into consideration. I've spent time with many patients in their eighties with various cancers who are doing very well with treatment. Your mother-in-law has something no doctor can give her and money can't buy - the love and support of her family. No clinical trial could ever accurately measure what that means to patients dealing with any disease, but I'm convinced that it is a very powerful "medicine".

It might be worth checking both of the doctors recommended, especially if you don't feel comfortable with the first one you see. You don't owe them allegiance just because of their credentials. My first CLL oncologist made me feel like a lab rat. He is very well known, both for his expertise and his complete lack of bedside manner. Some of his patients who I've gotten to know in the treatment room say that one just has to "dish it right back". I was too sick at the time to do that. Changing doctors made all the difference, even though their approach to treatment was the same.

Pat

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