Is anyone familiar with "Hairy Cell Leukemia"?
It is rare, Ive done my research but wondering if anyone has any personal or professional experience with it and the treatment of it. We have chosen not to do chemo at this time. So far our natural treatments have been great BUT the need for blood transfusions about every 6 weeks has been necessary. Does anyone know how to build your blood up to acceptable levels. The blood loss and counts are stabelizing but not really improving. The natural remedies focus mainly on immune system support and I wouldnt change a thing there, but Im missing something for the anemia. The doctor has no answer, just infuses when RBC gets down to 9 (should be atleast 14-18). Thanks
- gangadharan_nair
Hairy cell leukemia is a chronic lymphoid leukemia.
The most common type of leukemia in the Western world, CLL involves mature-appearing defective neoplastic lymphocytes with an abnormally long life span. The peripheral blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes undergo leukemic infiltration. Symptoms may be absent or may include lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and nonspecific symptoms attributable to anemia (fatigue, malaise). Diagnosis is by examination of peripheral blood smear and bone marrow aspirate. Treatment, delayed until symptoms develop, is aimed at lengthening life and decreasing symptoms and may involve chlorambucil or fludarabine, prednisone, cyclophosphamide, and/or doxorubicin. Monoclonal antibodies, such as alemtuzumab and rituximab, are increasingly being used. Palliative radiation therapy is reserved for patients whose lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly interferes with other organs.
Please see the web pages for more details on Hairy cell leukemia.
- Ralph D
Check out The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Information Resource Center, we may be able to help.
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=4261
Some info on hairy cell leukemia, but you may have read this already.
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=8507
- Cycman
HCL is a rare type of leukemia with a relatively indolent course. It is not CLL as some suggests, but rather it is a very specific type of chronic leukemia. While you have chosen to use alternative therapy, you should keep in mind that the standard therapy for HCL, 2-CDA (Cladribine), has a very high response rate with good long-term outcomes. If you are experiencing anemia or other symptoms that are significant (if you are in need of blood transfusions, that is considered a significant symptom), then you should seriously consider discussing w/ your hematologist/oncologist to initiate therapy. 80-90% of patients achieve long term remission w/ 2-CDA therapy.
Leukemia — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment of this blood-related cancer.
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