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April 2
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8 Leukemia Treatment Options You Should Know Read Article...
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Great information. So appreciate your time.
Have you started on this medication yet.

April 5
MyLeukemiaTeam

What treatment options are available when CLL shows progression with rising white blood cell counts, enlarged spleen, and swollen lymph nodes?

Your rising white blood cell count (doubling from 30 to 50 in six months), enlarged spleen, and swollen lymph nodes suggest your CLL may be progressing. These signs often indicate Show Full Answer

What treatment options are available when CLL shows progression with rising white blood cell counts, enlarged spleen, and swollen lymph nodes?

Your rising white blood cell count (doubling from 30 to 50 in six months), enlarged spleen, and swollen lymph nodes suggest your CLL may be progressing. These signs often indicate it's time to discuss starting treatment with your doctor.

Treatment decisions should be made together with your healthcare team based on your specific situation, including your age, overall health, and the genetic characteristics of your cancer cells.

Current treatment options may include:

* Targeted therapy - These drugs attack specific changes in CLL cells and are now preferred over older chemotherapy for many people
* Traditional chemotherapy - Used less often now but may be appropriate in certain situations
* Immunotherapy - Such as CAR T-cell therapy, typically for CLL that returns after other treatments
* Radiation therapy - Rarely used, only to ease symptoms in specific areas

Your doctor will likely perform additional tests to check genetic biomarkers in your cancer cells, as these help determine which treatment will work best for you.

A MyLeukemiaTeam member shared a similar experience: "When it hit 190, and my spleen got very enlarged, it was time for options."

It's important to have an open conversation with your oncologist about which treatment approach makes the most sense for your specific case.

April 2
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

When I had CLL for 10 months and my WBC count was 76,000 I requested medication. I had to learn about medication and CLL by joining groups and learning. I currently take Brukinsa. I know all medication may have possible strange ill affects but most of the time nothing happens? Last year I read that this medication can be effective for 10 to 20 years. This medication uses the "BTK inhibitor" to control (kill) those bad cells and it does not affect healthy organs or cells. I also read that eating healthy and exercise both had benefited my health. I am 74 and I visit the gym 3 times a week and I am active at my 5 acre property located in an oak tree forest. A few months ago I cut down a 50 feet tall pine tree with a 2 1/2 feet trunk for fire wood next winter. I plan to cut the wood into sections I can move then split the wood to use in my wood stove. I hope to start jogging again which I have not done in the past year (PETECHIA or exploding capillaries in the skin from over exertion.) I got a money grant from Leukemia Society for copay $4,000 and my insurance paid the balance so my cost was $0. My physical and mental health are both normal and better each day.My last blood test indicated every element in the test is 100% normal and my WBC count is 7,500. Celebrating Long Life (CLL)

The picture is sun rise at my property which has 85 trees on 5 acres. The grass in the summer dies from the hot dry heat to a golden color.

April 6
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I requested medication after 10 months when my WBC count was 76,000. I did not have any lymph gland problems nor fatigue? I requested medication because it had the least ill affects. I know all medications or treatments can have possible ill affects. I think chemo has a very high ill affect. My medication is Brukinsa (this uses the BTK inhibitor) and I know this medication will be good for 10 to 20 years or until the bad cells mutate and a new medication is required. I think all medications are expensive and mine cost $15500 per month. I did get a money grant from Leukemia Society to pay the copayment ($4,000) so my medication did not cost me anything $0. I think you should learn about medication by doing research in the RESOURCES section that is here.

April 5

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