Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Yes, definitely get a confirmed diagnosis! I was diagnosed in 1996 and have only required short treatments 3 times to lower my CBC. Yes, it was a bit scary at first, but I found it didn’t change my lifestyle drastically!

How high did your white count become? Mine keeps rising..it is 32 now after being 18....still waiting for more labs

Better to follow up and know what's actually going on than to sit and worry. As @labcoris said, CLL is one of the "best" cancers to have -- if you have it.

My CLL journey started late last year with increased lymphocytes + smudge cells. A medical oncologist initially diagnosed MBL (monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis): my lymphocyte count wasn't high enough to qualify for CLL, and I didn't seem to have any Sx (symptoms) other than a few enlarged lymph nodes. So, "watchful waiting" was prescribed.

Then, this June, I developed afib (atrial fibrillation). A chest CT (to exclude atrial clots) also revealed numerous lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen. That, and further investigations, changed the diagnosis to SLL (small lymphocytic lymphoma). SLL is a variant of CLL in which the wonky lymphocytes accumulate in lymph nodes instead of peripheral blood.

I recently completed a 6-month course of Gazyva (obinutuzumab) infusions, and am taking oral Venclexta (venetoclax) until next September. Side-effects have been minimal, and I feel better.
Of interest, I recently found an old lab report that mentioned smudge cells way back in 2002! So this has probably been "building" slowly for a long time.

I hope this helps.

hello my white count was normal. 9.26

Melvin is correct. My Oncologist/Hematologist told me that if you have to get leukemia, CLL is the best one. She also told me that many people do not know they have it and live with it for years. I was diagnosed 2 years ago. There is no treatment except to treat symptoms. My immunogloblin continues to drop every 3-4 months, so I am receiving infusions which take a few hours, but I feel great after I have one. Hang in there and please see a Hematologist just so they can make a determination for you. Then you at least know what needs to be done, if anything. Take care of yourself!

On the "Best Cancer to Get" I have to report that I had a rare cancer called Hairy Cell Leukemia - HCL. I received five continuous days of chemotherapy, and then had no symptoms for seventeen years. I have recently been diagnosed with CLL and am learning that it will be a longer observation and treatment schedule than HCL.

Welcome to Connect @adkmitch. CLL is one of the more treatable forms of leukemia so it’s earned the little quip from doctors that “it’s the best cancer to get”. Though it’s still startling to get the diagnosis.

It’s generally also very slow to progress and often there is a very long active surveillance period as your doctor checks blood work periodically for any changes.
It sounds like you’re at the early point in discovery. How frequently do you have follow-ups? Has there been a suggestions for treatment or just observation for now?