Leukemias Support Group

Hello y'all. I'm wondering when does a hematologist finally decide to do a

bmb/aspirate? Over the last year my wbc count has been: 3.0, 3.4, 3.3, 3.8, and as of last month, 3.5. I'm not anemic anymore and have been tested for autoimmune disorders of which I have none except for alopecia areata (and they don't deem that of any importance.) My next hema visit is in December and he wants my PCP to do the blood labs and me show up for the visit with the results. Once in August of 2010 he almost did a bmb/aspirate but chgd his mind. Any insights, friends? Thanks.

Hi: I do not remember what type of Leukemia you have. I have CML for almost 13 years. I do not get a bone marrow biopsy anymore. I am checked strictly through my blood work with a PCR test. Once I achieved a Cytogenetic Remission they started to do the PCR testing, and I just had my 6 month test. I do it every 6 months, but I do complete blood work like your CBC etc. every 3 months. Then when I get the PCR test at the 6 month level I go see my Oncologist for my routine visit, and to get my results.

I got this Tues. and I still get a bit nervous for the results. I have been in a major molecular remission since 2003. God Willing this one comes out Negative also, it will be 8 years for me.

If you give me a little more information, I could tell you what the steps usually are for monitoring your Leukemia. Those WBC counts you have are where Iam running also. I am anemic though. My RBC is always down, but stable. I am fatigued a lot.

I am not familiar with CLL in case you have something other than CML. I talk to so many people, and I forget sometimes, but your name was very familiar.

Suzzie

Hey hi Suzziee...you're very sweet to vaguely remember me in the flock of folks here at MDJ! I'm not dx with any form of leukemia *yet* and joined this group so I could comment yet there's times where I wonder if I may have it. My PCP is watching my wbc count and I was referred to the hema doc last year. Hema doc never mentions what he thinks could be going on but was concerned with my anemia and I took iron tabs and started eating lean meat again so I'm back in normal range...but...the wbc stays hovering at low or below normal range. I know high wbc count can suggest leukemia but have read that low or normal wbc count can also present another form of it. I do feel fatigued often but have blamed that on the living/enduring through 21 days of 100+ weather!

HI: Now I have a better picture of what is going on.

Yes, the only way to get a final diagnosis is through a Bone Marrow Biopsy. When I was diagnosed, I had gone for a routine yearly blood work test. No symptoms, other than some fatigue. I worked in a very fast paced Medical Office, and just attributed it to my job. They ran a few more blood tests on me, but the doctor who I worked for was a Oncologist. He said, lets stop fooling around and just do the BMB so I can see what is going on with you. It turned out that I have Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. I have done very well. I count my diagnosis years by every Christmas I get to celebrate. This Christmas will be 13 years since being diagnosed. If God Forbid you do have this particular type of Leukemia, it is very treatable. You might just have a anemia. My husband has anemia, with no other troubles. He just had blood work, and it was perfect with the exception of a low RBC. When he goes on iron supplements, his counts come back to normal. Please let me know how your doing. You can send me a message anytime.

Suzzie

Congrats on almost 13 years of remission!

Yeah,maybe anemia is all I've got ~ but wouldn't my wbc count go up in a more normal range then? Iron levels are normal now and doing that without taking the iron tabs (which I did take last year and messed up my "expulsion system" if-you-get-what-I-mean, lol.)

I'd rather bump up my iron level/storage through diet instead of supplement so gotta skip the vegan diet for now (and possibly forever).

I do like your oncologist's decisive manner and think hema doc might roll up his sleeves and do a bmb/aspirate next visit. I will keep you up-to-date, Suzie...thx for your concern and kind wishes.

Hi: Its hard for me being there are so many different types of Leukemia to try to elaborate on what is going on with you. My type which is CML showed up with a very high WBC, and when after 2 weeks it still increased is what made him do the BMB on me to see exactly what was going on. I did not have a low RBC until after I started my medication, which has made me anemic. I will not confuse you with all my details. I think doing the biopsy will give him a very good picture if any of what is going on. Just ask him to do it, and any other tests that might give him a better indication of what is happening. Are you seeing a good Oncologist/Hematologist? I have talked to so many people who have seen doctors who have the degree but not familiar enough. Let me know how you do at your next visit. I think I would skip that Vegan Diet also. I know a lot of people who are healthy beging vegetarians, but our bodies need a little bit of everything. I do not think God would have given all of these things for us to eat, if there was not a reason for it. Some people require a certain amount of red meat to keep their blood strong. Maybe the Vegan Diet is the only problem you have. It could be so many things, and we are not doctors. Let him do what he has to do to find out.Keep In Touch.

Suzzie

Thx Suzzie...I think hema doc will do it. He is part of a large regional oncology practice and will prob do the bloodlabs if I see him before December. I think he's good (young) but if I do have some kind of leuk may see someone else, Idk. Yes, I'm skipping the vegan diet...actually kinda happy about that lol. I agree: let the doc do the testing/investigating and follow-up on what he finds (or doesn't find)! Thx again..happy Sunday to you!