CLL and confused!

[tonypw]

Diagnosed with CLL in Nov 07 following blood tests for somthing else! Feel really fit and healthy but am concerned about blood test results. White cells have gone from 147 to 182, lymphs from 112 to 178 in 4 months. Other bloods near normal - red 4.5, platelets 196, haemoglobin 14.7.
I've got small nodes on my neck - for about 5 years and others in groin, abdomen that showed up on CT scan. Spleen is marginally enlarged but not causing a problem. No other symptoms. I'n ZAP70 and CD38 negative which I am told is a good sign.
If some counts are going up so quickly should that not affect my others? Should I feel as fit and healthy as I do now! (not complaining)
I had flu and a gum/tooth infection about a month before my last test - would this affect the numbers.
I have another test in 2 months and the doc is lookinng to start treatment if the numbers continue to rise. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
By your description (lymphocytosis, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy), you are in Rai Stage 2 or intermediate risk.  Patients in the intermediate risk may have an indolent course of disease that spans years.
In CLL, the lymphocyte count usually increases over time.  But there may be fluctuations in the lymphocyte count especially in untreated patients, particularly when there is an infection.
Unlike in other leukemias, treatment in CLL may be delayed until indicated.  
You may continue to regularly follow-up with your hematologist.
Good luck.

[tonypw]

Thanks for the reply - a bit of reassurance is very welcome!