I understand that you are breast-feeding and that this is very important. However, if your platelet count has declined to 45,000 as you indicate in your note, this does represent a potential danger. Furthermore, if you are having petechial bruising, this may indicate that the platelets are not working normally. I would agree with your doctor that you should avoid taking alternative treatments because they may be contributing to abnormal platelet function. I would also be concerned about acupuncture if you are having difficulty with bleeding.

If you are concerned about losing an opportunity to have access to the "things that were helping you", it would be very important to not overlook the drugs that may be able to secure a complete remission for you. If your treatment is markedly delayed, your blood counts may get worse. Your doctor is in the best position to advise you regarding the likelihood of progression. Your platelet count is definitely in the range that would warrant therapy. If this value goes lower, you may be at more risk for taking treatment.

The high response rate that is seen with the currently available drugs depends upon having the correct diagnosis. If your diagnosis is classic hairy cell leukemia, the response rate should be favorable. There are many important considerations regarding your overall medical condition, so I cannot adequately advise you with this little information. However, if you have classic hairy cell leukemia the treatment with standard therapy is more likely to help you than alternative therapies that are not as well understood. We have listed the centers of excellence on the hairy cell web site for those patients and their physicians who would want confirmation of the diagnosis and a plan of treatment. I hope that your physician can help with your distress by explaining the benefits of standard therapy.