What blood count levels indicate when to start treatment for CLL after watchful waiting?
Several blood count changes can signal it's time to begin treatment after watchful waiting:
Key blood count indicators include:
* Lymphocyte count doubling within six months
* Development of anemia (low red blood cell count)
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What blood count levels indicate when to start treatment for CLL after watchful waiting?
Several blood count changes can signal it's time to begin treatment after watchful waiting:
Key blood count indicators include:
* Lymphocyte count doubling within six months
* Development of anemia (low red blood cell count)
* Development of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
* White blood cells that don't respond to steroids
These blood test results showing drops in certain blood cell levels may indicate your CLL is progressing and treatment is needed.
Beyond blood counts, other signs that watchful waiting should end include swelling in lymph nodes or an enlarged spleen, and symptoms like night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, and fever.
Your doctor will also consider genetic biomarkers in your cancer cells. If these suggest your CLL will likely progress quickly, treatment may be recommended earlier regardless of other signs.
The timeline varies for everyone. One MyLeukemiaTeam member shared they were on watch and wait for nine years before their white blood cells hit 190 and their spleen became very enlarged, signaling it was time for treatment options.
February 28
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