8 replies to this topic

[mariebow]

Trey are whomever, I went to the doc to pick up my blood test reading to just see how I was before I found out I had leukemia.   and these are the tests for jan.3 2012 right before dx.

WBC 86.8 K/UL

RBC 4.32 MIL/UL

HGB 12.3 G/DL

HCT  38.8 %

MCV  89.6 UM3

MCH  28.3 UUG

MCHC  31.6 G/DL

RDW   20.8 %    FROM THE LASTEST TEST THIS LOOK HIGH

PLATELET 141 K/UL

MEAN PLAT VOLUM  10.9

SEGS  36%

BANDS   41%

LYMPHOCYTE  7%

monocyte   2%

basophils 3%

metamyelocyte    9%

This really got me nervous:  BLAST 2%

NRBC   3

ANISO    MOD    

MYELOCYTE   10%

PROMYEOCYTE  2%

[Trey]

That is Chronic Phase CML.  Nothing overly concerning beyond that. 

[mariebow]

OK Trey, Thanks, does the blast disappear, when you have a complete hematological response?

[Trey]

Generally, yes.  Also, blasts are not something evil.  It is a matter of "too many is bad".  They are a necessary part of the development cycle of a cell which every cell goes through on its way to maturity.  It would be more correct to say that the blast levels will return to normal.  When there are "too many" blasts, it means that they are not maturing properly and remain in a state of immaturity forever, like some people we all know.  And 2% is not that high.  Anything under 5% is OK.  All is well. 

[mariebow]

Thanks Trey and Billie for your comments

[Badger]

Just a clarification. Although the cells of the myeloid cell line make up about 85% of the cells in bone marrow, less than 5% should be blast cells. Blast cells are not typically found in the circulating blood of healthy individuals.

[Trey]

At diagnosis we are not exactly "healthy individuals". 

[Badger]

Let me clarify my clarification. Not all people with chronic phase cml will have blast cells in their circulating blood.