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Result of high white blood cell count

(9 Posts)
Mom3 Fri 16-Feb-24 23:55:11

DH had a phone appointment today with a hematologist. He was told that he has chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He does not need treatment now and will get a blood test again in six months. This is a type of leukemia people can live with for years. The chance of getting this goes up with age and he is 80 years old. He was told to stay away from grandkids if they are sick because it will take him longer to get over viruses.

Whiff Sat 17-Feb-24 06:00:12

Mom sorry about your husband . Our white blood cells increase to fight any virus or infections we catch . As your husband's are already high because of the leukemia that's why the doctor has said to keep the grandchildren away if ill. It might be advisable to ask any visitors and when you go out to wear a mask just to be on the safe side. If you need help and support McMillan and Cancer support will help you. And if you feel you need to talk to others with this disease they will put you in touch with people. Your husband might not feel he wants to talk about it but you may feel you do.

When my husband was diagnosed with grade 4 malignant melanoma in January 2001 and told he wouldn't live 5 years he didn't want to talk to anyone about it but me. But looking back it would have helped me . He lived 3 years.

McMillan will beable to tell you any benefits you are entitled and get them . As you don't know what your husband will need in the coming years.

Wishing you both all the best.

Mom3 Sat 17-Feb-24 06:22:32

Thank you, Whiff. I'm sorry you lost your husband. I'm in the US. I have seen others mention McMillan. What is it exactly?

silverlining48 Sat 17-Feb-24 07:44:53

Mom3 Macmillan is a cancer charity in the UK. Assume you have similar in theUS but assume you can look online to find it.

Kiwiqueen123 Sat 17-Feb-24 08:52:07

Sorry to hear this but, just to say, I have two very good friends who have this. Scary at first but they were diagnosed about seven or eight years ago. One has had a new knee and the other different ops with no problems. In fact they both say they are living with it and not dying from it. Hope this reassures you.

Oopsadaisy1 Sat 17-Feb-24 09:41:30

My neighbour was diagnosed with this some 26 yrs ago, she died a couple of weeks ago with something unrelated and until fairly recently led a normal life.

Mom3 Sat 17-Feb-24 19:02:17

Thank you so much to each one of you for your reassuring replies.

Visgir1 Sat 17-Feb-24 19:47:58

My mum had it about 14 years and died of something else, but it did contribute to her passing , she had blood test every 6 months, the Consultant just phoned her to check up how she was.
I think it was mentioned somewhere that's what the Queen had? But I could be wrong.
Best of luck to you both

Sparklefizz Sun 18-Feb-24 08:47:10

Mom3 I am sorry to hear about this. I know someone who has it. It's been about 14 years since she was diagnosed in her late 60s .... she is still going strong. As Kiwiqueen says, people are "living with it, not dying with it."

Wishing your DH all the very best.