a little worried about my CLL

[Beakette]

I was diagnosed with CLL at 48 and am now 53.  Have been in watch and wait mode these years....and my counts have been growing slowly and no concerns so far.  At my last lab work though, my lymphocytes jumped from 74% of my wbc to 85%....a significant jump from all these years of creeping growth.  I'm quite concerned.....I am not currently sick or fighting any infections......am I now at the point where I can expect things to start going downhill?  My platelets and rbc are still within normal ranges..............Please advise

[edwardjr]

Can you update us on how you're doing?  I am 62 and was diagnosed with CLL 3 wks ago.  WBC is at 20.  Little anemic too.  My flow analysis shows a positive CD38 result which my doctor didn't like.  No symptoms yet.  Wait and watch is what he advised.  My lymphs is at 74%.  I am in Arkansas and am wondering if I need to be getting a second opinion in a larger city.

Any advise/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[yamaha2]

What did your Dr say?  I have CLL too, have had it for 12 years.  My levels have gone up and down, spiking every couple of years.  If he is not concerned you should be ok, I would talk it over with your Dr if nothing more than to settle your nerves.  It is very stressful having CLL, not knowing when or if you will take a turn for the worse.  I have done pretty good until a couple years ago and I started feeling fatigued all the time.  I'm pretty anemic.  But the doc doesn't recommend treatment yet.  It's very frustrating when you have a big weekend planned and have to stay in bed because you just don't have the energy to do anything.  I would recommend a psychologist too.  It's easy to get depressed with this disease hanging over your head all the time and feeling tired.  Sorry to hear of your diagnosis and best of luck!