5 replies to this topic

[momruns]

Hey guys,

I read alot of the posts and have a question,  I know what a CBC is and BMP  (I am a nurse) but I do not know what you guys mean by FISH, PSR (i think), etc.  This friday I get a CBC, BMP and the BCR-.... test which I think I know what that one is.  Can someone out there enlighten me.  Thanks,

Loreta

[Marnie]

Hi, momruns. .

BMB - bone marrow biopsy

CMP - complete metabolic panel (mainly to check liver function, since TKIs are hard on the liver) - done every 3 months

PCR - polymerase chain reaction (I think I spelled that wrong) - have every 3 months to check levels of BCR-Abl (the mutated chromosome) PCR is THE TEST for determining disease progression

FISH - flourescent in-situ-hybridization (probably spelled that wrong also) - test done at diagnosis and early on in the journey - not very useful after your PCR numbers have gotten nice and low

CBC - complete blood count

If you go to Trey's blog, it probably gives better information with great detail.

The most important test (in my opinion) is the PCR (some people call it the BCR-Abl) test.  This is the one that you will be using to track how well you are doing.  My doc just screwed mine up.  Got a call from the lab this morning that they drew blood for the wrong test last week and so I had to go back in today for a redraw for PCR. This after the lab tech came running out to the parking lot last week after they drew blood, and I had to go back in so they could draw more.  Sheesh!!  I THINK that they actually drew the blood for the PCR on the first try, but then either miscommunication between doc and lab, or ordering wrong test from doc made for a screw up.  So the sample had degraded by the time they sent it in, so they had to do it over today.

When they draw blood for PCR, look for them to put it in a vial with a lavendar top.  You should only have blood drawn for PCR test early in the week and early in the day, because it degrades if the lab doesn't get it and process it in a timely manner.  I always schedule my blood draws for Monday or Tuesday at 8:00 a.m.

Marnie

And, as an aside. . .Trey. . .you were right. .the FISH test showed absolutely nothing, since my numbers are low (a good thing, of course).  But one more strike against the current doc.  Should have been doing FISH 2 years ago when it might have given good info, instead of now when it shows nothing.

[Trey]

Here is some light reading:

http://community.lls.org/docs/DOC-1273

[momruns]

Thank you so much, I am going for the PCR on friday, my first one was 12.2 what ever that meant, they just said we are shooting for zero.  I will post when I get results.  Again, thank you, how do I see Treys site?

Loreta

[LivingWellWithCML]

Here you go:

http://treyscml.blogspot.com/

It's a tome!

Dan

[Trey]

I compiled my previous postings from the old L&LS website to a separate place when the L&LS rebooted this website and wiped out the old postings.  I saved mine before they zapped them all in 2009.

http://treyscml.blogspot.com/