10 replies to this topic

[Tedsey]

It has been about 5 months now since being diagnosed.  I am still getting CBCs and blood panels drawn every 2-3 days.  Anyone out there in the sore vein club?

[MomMom]

The only time I had to have mine drawn at close interval was when I came off Gleevec for a couple of months to get my WBCs up from 1.7 and when I became severely anemic.  But the draws were a week and two weeks apart, never just a few days.  Last Friday I had my annual checkup and when the lab started looking for a spot, she said I had scar tissue in the area of the draw and took it the top of my hand.  I have friends on the PV forum who have really bad veins from so many draws.

So, no answer except my experience.

Kay

[Tedsey]

Wow, must be painful to get a blood draw from the top of your hand.  Sorry to hear you have to go through that.  I have noticed scarring on my arms, but so far it has not been a problem.  Thanks for the info. didn't realize scar tissue could interfere with a blood draw.

P.S.  I also have a sister like yours.  Sounds like your husband is a gem.

[MomMom]

Yep, he's a gem!  After 44 years, I think I'll keep him.  I know, I know.  He robbed the cradle, but hey, I was worth it!   I love me sister anyway.  At least I know what to not-expect from her!  She is actually a great gal.  Just a tad self absorbed.

The  hand draw was not bad. I hardly felt it, and it left no mark nor bruise.  She was GGGGoooood.

Kay

[Buzzm1]

Tedsey, thanks for the well wishes.

To think i was worried about scar tissue development from just having a once a month blood test, 

and asked if i should switch arms to be on the safe side....

Thinking I should read more on the forum.

Seems we are close together on time of diagnosis.  I'm approaching the six month mark from diagnosis,

with  2 1/2 months on Gleevec..  Do you also post your numbers periodically?

Hoping I can be somewhat supportive for you along the way

Buzz

[Irishmonk]

Just at the beginning. Once Gleevec kicked in once every two weeks for about 2 months then 1 every 3 months since then.

[Susan61]

Hi: If you  have to get blood drawn from the top of your hand, it does hurt a bit more.  I have had to get my drawn from the top of my hand for about 10 years now.  They cannot get it out of my arm, and all the poking to find a vein just got on my nerves.  The best thing to do before they draw your blood is to let you soak your hands in hot water.  It brings the veins right to the top of the surface.  It makes it so much easier.  They are not doing it for me anymore since I started getting drawn at the Lab.  I used to get it done right in my Oncologist's office, and they always told me to go soak for a few minutes.  I guess the Lab just wants to move everyone out as fast as they can.  I ask for one particular girl who gets me right away without me soaking my hands.

Just for information if anyone is interested.

   As for getting blood drawn every 3 days, seems a bit much unless counts are so low that they have to keep checking.

[Tedsey]

Thanks everyone.  Well, I am beginning to think that the onc I see is a little overzealous with the blood draws, or a sadist, cannot quite figure that out.  I don't know why I cannot just get a weekly draw.  We would love to go out of town for a 3-day weekend, but the blood test thing kind of puts the kabash on it.  I think I will beg to skip just one week.  I cannot see where it would make much of a difference.  So far, I have not had problems with my veins.  Hoping it stays that way.  Thanks for the soaking of the hands advice.  I will keep that in mind.  As for posting my numbers, I wish I could.  It has been a struggle from the beginning for my onc to let me see anything but the CBC and only if I ask (and never the panel!).  Anxiously awaiting an onc change.  At least the new place touts sending your resluts over the computer.

Buzz, just wondering, what took them so long to put you on Gleevec?  Hope you are doing great at 2 1/2 months.

[Buzzm1]

Re: Buzz, just wondering, what took them so long to put you on Gleevec?  Hope you are doing great at 2 1/2 months.

Long story, short version

officially diagnosed mid October (very early in CML progression)

doc wanted to wait until BMB to start Gleevex

plans to do BMB with already scheduled mid-December colonoscopy fell through

rescheduled BMB was Feb. 2nd at which time I started Gleevec

[Susan61]

Hi:  I would ask for a copy when you are at the office.  You are entitled to your information.  My one doctor charges me 10 cents for a copy,because of the cost of the paper and ink or whatever.  I told her if she wants a quarter I will give it to her, but I make sure I get a copy of every blood test that is done on me.

I keep a folder of all my tests, no matter what it is.  My records go back to 1998, and I just keep a smaller folder with more current reports.  Whenever I have to go see a physician for anything, I have copies of what is going on.

    I never had to get my blood drawn 2 and 3 days apart, even in the beginning.  I think I was getting it done every 2 weeks in the beginning of my diagnosis.

Is it that your counts are high?  Ask questions!!!!!!   Its your health, and they should be able to supply whatever information you want.

[Tedsey]

Thanks for the suggestion.  I have been collecting my CBCs and metabolic panels.  My main problem is low WBC and ANC.  I fluctuate from 2. something to as low as 1.7  With the neutrophils, it is .5 to 1.6.  It is a roller coaster.  Guess my onc worries I will catch something that will put me in the hospital, or malpractice.  There would be no just cause.  Except she is kind of a bully.  She needn't worry.  But running to get a CBC every 3 days is crazy.  Sometimes, onc asks me to run and repeat one after 2 days.  Making too many friends at the lab.  But they appear to be good people.  Anxiously awaiting an appt. with the new onc.  Take care.  All the best.