Guest guest Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 Hi, I'm writing regarding my husband, Tony, who has CLL since 2001 and has had various chemo treatments. This week he was told by a allergist/pulmonologist that he has zero antibodies to fight infection and he recommended replacement immunoglobulins once a week for several weeks. Evidently this process is an infusion of gamma globulin products done via a needle into the stomach. Tony went to see the pulmonologist on referral from his primary care doctor who was trying to find a solution to the chronic bronchitis he developed 7 months ago, following two treatments of pentostatin/cytoxan/rituxan proscribed by his hematologist. Before initiating treatment, the pulmonologist said he had to make a "courtesy call" to the hematologist. The hematologist said Tony wasn't "sick enough" to warrant the replacement therapy but she agreed to go along with it. We are awaiting word as to when the treatment can begin but were told that it would take 2 to 3 weeks for Medicare to approve. We are feeling uncomfortable with the hematologist. The pulmonologist said "hemo doctors only care about three things: wbc, platelet count, and neutrophils. They totally ignore immunoglobulin deficiency." His words! I would appreciate hearing from anyone familiar with this problem, please! We are contemplating changing hematologist and maybe it's time for another visit to Dr. Ian Flinn in Nashville who Tony saw last February following the treatment he received here in Winston Salem, NC. Thank you! Donna Layng Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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