7 replies to this topic

[janner25]

Yesterday I went for my 9 month check-up.  Only CBC tests were done (next PCR is in November for my 1 year - last one at 6 months revealed 0.002% - so we'll just call that PCRU).  The nurse and doctor said that all the counts looked good but didn't tell me the numbers.  When I left, I picked up the hard copies of my last 3 tests.  On it, I noticed that my WBC was 10 (hasn't been that way since month 1 of dx after being on tasigna)...and some of the automated WBC views were high?  Below is the last 3 months of WBC and then what the automated looked like yesterday...

Date	WBC	Hemaglobin	Platlet
5/27/2011	5.8	12.3	258
6/30/2011	5.9	12.9	267
7/28/2011	10	13	289

ANC Automated: 6.5 (scale 1.8-6.3)

Neutrophils Automated: 64.7 (scale 50-60)...and last month this was marginally high at 60.1

My Lymphocytes Automated was marginally low: 24.8 (scale 25-40)

I have been feeling very worn out (although my hemaglobn is good) and back to a bit breathless the last few weeks...but it has also been hot and humid for what feels like 2 months.

I know the counts are all in the normal world for the most part - but should I be concerned?  I go back end of August for next round of CBC?

Thanks!

Janice

[Trey]

Your PCR will be done soon, but you have options if you are concerned, such as repeat the CBC and/or move up the PCR date.  My Onc always has the PCR, CMP, CBC and any other tests done a month before my office visit.  I find this works well since otherwise there is no current test data worthy of reviewing.

[Susan61]

Hi Janice:  I would ask for the testing sooner, so you know what is going on.  Like Trey, I get my CBC, CMP, and PCR a few weeks before my appointment with the doctor.  When I go into the office to see her, everything is readily available to discuss.   I do a CBC and CMP every 3 months, and then I do everything every 6 months.  I only see my Oncologist every 6 months now, instead of every 3 like I used to.

     I would probably question the increase also, even though still in normal range to some degree.  Make yourself feel better by getting eveything drawn again now.

Susan

[janner25]

Thanks Trey and Susan ~

I called the doctors office today and the nurse said that it is part of the normalizing effect of the WBC.  I said well I've been pretty stable as far as the counts since really December.  She said still within normal range and it could simply be from a cold (that I have had no symptoms of).  But, she said that maybe because I have been worn out more than my usual worn out, that perhaps my body is trying to fight something.  I guess we'll see.  She did not seem concerned at all...and the doctor had the results yesterday prior to my appointment and he didn't seem concerned either.

I will go for my normal monthly CBC next month (end of August).  PCR will be done November 1 for my November 11th appointment.  I'll have CBC drawn on the 1st and the 11th before my appointment.  I'm sure I'm fine - but to be stable with WBC for 7 or 8 months, it makes me nervous .  But I think this is just the natural state of living with CML!

[Susan61]

Hi Janice:  I have to say that it annoys me when a nurse trys to diagnose my condition.  She should not be saying that she thinks its this or that.

Assuming anything like a cold, which you did not have.  If it were me I would want to change that appointment for the PCR, and my next blood work.

In the beginning when you first start on a TKI, there is a tendency for the WBC to go up.  It did with me, and then it steadily started to drop.

If you feel comfortable waiting , and feel confident that all is okay then its up to you.  If you see any changes that your not happy with in August, then insist on a sooner PCR Test just for your peace of mind if nothing else.

     Hope everything comes back to normal again.

Susan

[CallMeLucky]

Blood counts normally fluctuate, most people never know this because they are not being monitored on a regular basis.  Although higher, they are in normal range.  For peace of mind, if it were me, I would probably go back for a CBC in a couple of weeks.  I would expect the counts to bounce back down.

[janner25]

I'm still on the monthly cycle so I'll go in about 3 weeks instead of stretching to the full 4.

Ironically, while talking to my aunt today, I think I have figured out why as the summer is continuing, I'm getting more exhausted - which has become frustrating (and then the attention of the higher normal WBC - made me question if everything was normal).  I work 8-2 everyday, then during the school year, I have about an hour of down time before the kids get home from school and my husband goes to work.  This summer, we did not sent our boys to camp since my husband doesn't see them during the school year with him working 2nd shift.  Which means, I don't get any down time during the week since the boys are home!!!!  Eureka ~ no down time = no good for me!  I feel much better about the WBC now that I think it truly was a normal fluctuation.  I think I'm ready for the boys to get back to school - but not the homework routine - especially adding a new one to the mix...kindergarten - and then 3rd grade.  I never knew what that hour did for me...and I will never take it for granted again!

.

[janner25]

Hi everyone...hope you all are staying safe on the east coast for the east coasters.  I myself am waiting for Hurricane Irene...ugh.

Anyway, I wanted to just let everyone know that 'yup - it was normal'.  I had my monthly CBC yesterday and my wbc is back down to 7.3 (so the 10 was definitely an anomaly).  I have not received the hard copies yet - but WBC, platelets and hemoglobin are all normal.  So I'm feeling much better!

Have a great weekend (and for the east coasters - stay safe - and dry).

Janner