2020 - Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma detected

Went to NUH to obtain the result of Bone Marrow Biopsy and aspiration tests.

Doctor confirmed that I have low grade Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma.

Lymphoma is cancer that begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes.
These cells are in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other parts of the body.
When you have lymphoma, lymphocytes change and grow out of control.

1) What is lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma?

White blood cells that become abnormal and grow out of control.

2) White blood cells form part of your immune system, which helps fight infections

3) The bone marrow may then not able to make as many normal blood cells as usual. This can cause:

- anemia (shortage of red blood cells), leading to tiredness, weakness and breathlessness

- neutropenia (shortage of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell), leading to an increased risk of infections

- thrombocytopenia (shortage of platelets, which help your blood clot), leading to a tendency to bruise and bleed easily (for example, nosebleeds).

4) High levels of antibodies cause red blood cells to stick together in the cooler parts of the body such as your hands and feet, the tip of your nose or your ear lobes. This can cause the red blood cells to break down, leading to anemia.

5) May produce abnormal antibodies that clump together at lower temperatures. These are called ‘cryoglobulins’.

Summary

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia—an anemia that develops when your immune system attacks and destroys your red blood cells.

The most common cause of AIHA is due to a warm autoantibody

This means that the antibody attaches to the red blood cell at warm (body) temperature.

As the name suggests, CAD occurs secondary to a cold autoantibody, meaning that the antibody attaches when the red blood cell is exposed to colder temperatures, typically in the hands, feet, and nose.
These antibodies cause your red blood cells to stick together, called agglutination.

Symptoms

Fatigue or weakness
Shortness of breath, particularly with activity

A very important part of treatment of CAD is avoidance of cold temperatures
This sounds simpler than it is in real life.

This means people suffering with CAD often wear hats, gloves, and socks even in warm weather, as you may be exposed to cold rooms or environments.

In addition to warm clothing, drinking cold liquids, or immersing body parts in cold water should be avoided.

2020 Jan. (D-Month +1):
Doctor said best to monitor only. No chemo treatment for now.
2020-Jan Lab Reports

2020 Sep. (D-Month +9):
Feeling tired easily. Took 3 power naps (10-mins each) daily to re-charge.
2020-Sep Lab Reports

2021 Mar. (D-month +14):
Red blood count continued to decline. Min. 13 for normal person, Last year was 11 and now 9. Continue to monitor. Once it reach 7, Doctor will begin Chemo treatment.
2021- Mar Lab Reports

2021 Jun. (D-month +17):
Doctor said Red blood count stable and continue to monitor
2021 - Jun Lab Report

2021 Sep. (D-month +20):
Doctor said Red blood count plus other indicators has slightly worsen.
To plan for treatment in Year 2022
2021 - Sep. Lab Report

More information about taking COVID-19 Vaccination:

2021 - My COVID-19 Vaccination experience

Good source of additional information:

https://www.healthline.com/health/lymphoplasmacytic-lymphoma
https://www.healthline.com/health/waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia/treatment-options
https://www.healthline.com/health/waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia/questions-about-waldenstrom-macroglobulinemia