DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My husband, who is 70, has been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We are told that not much can be done for this condition other than watch and wait. My husband’s doctor implies that my husband will probably die with the condition but not from it. Are there any things that we can do? – C.C.
ANSWER: I bet your husband’s doctor said that not much need be done for the condition right now other than watch and wait. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia – cancer of lymphocytes, one of the white blood cells – usually appears later in life, after age 65. For most, it’s an illness that’s discovered accidentally when a person has a blood count for an unrelated reason, like a routine examination. The lymphocyte count is high. Most often, affected people have no symptoms and are astonished to learn that they have leukemia. “Leukemia” is a word that brings terror. In the case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the terror isn’t justified, for most patients.
In the early stages, before any signs or symptoms, watchful waiting is the treatment of choice, because in those stages no treatment is necessary.
If a person has enlarged lymph nodes, a large liver or spleen, anemia and decreased platelets (the blood cells that initiate clot formation), then treatment is begun. Symptoms of fever, night sweats and weight loss also trigger treatment. If the doctor who inspects the lymphocytes with a microscope sees cells that indicate that the leukemia is an aggressive kind, that too prompts treatment.
For now, your husband need only keep his scheduled appointments with his doctor, and you and he shouldn’t dwell on the diagnosis, but should enjoy your lives.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What’s the difference between acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia? – H.R.
ANSWER: Acute lymphocytic leukemia comes on suddenly, progresses rapidly and makes patients sick. It’s usually a childhood illness. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, an older-adult illness, comes on slowly and progresses indolently, for the most part.
Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com
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