I was diagnosed in 2008. I had high lymphocytes identified with a routine CBC, with CLL confirmed by Fish and flow cytometry. Since then I have seen my hematologist and had blood tests every six months. In the past three years I have had two CT scans watching the size of lymph nodes. My lymphocyte count seems to have stabilized in the 80,000, but in the past has been over 100,000. I have had no treatments. In the last 18 months I have seen my hematologist and had blood work done every three months. They are watching my platelets and hemoglobin almost more than my lymphocytes. My platelets dipped to near 100, but have been trending up the past three visits, recently at 124. There was a suggestion I should strongly consider treatments if platelets fall below 100.
Other than elevated lymph node size, which are barely visible to the naked eye, I essentially have no symptoms which impact my life style. I run 5 miles numerous times a week. I am 68. Based upon doctor consultations and what I have read I am in no hurry to start treatment. Every year there seem to be new discoveries. As there is no evidence that early treatment is better, I am comfortable being in watch and wait.