Should we pursue a consult?

Our 12 year-old son has a history of infections. Salmonella age 9, pneumonia several months later also at age 9. He gets very ill several times per year with high fever in 102 to 103 range with strong symptoms.  Easy bruising that seemed to start or at least we noticed at age 10. Saw hematologist who just told us to let the Dr. know about this if he ever needs surgery. But no hemphila. Age 11, several months of fatigue..falling asleep in car and before and after school. Mono was ruled out. Past several months he has developed a skin condition with small red raised bumps on the back of his upper arms and cheeks on face.

He just recovered 2 weeks ago from a virus that made him ill for 4 days, with high fever, cough that hurt chest, body pain, fatigue, abdominal pain nausea. CBC done at that time showed low white cell count. I did not think to get the specific number..wish I had. Dr. is now repeating the CBC to checkt he count.

My question is, if his white count comes back normal this time..would it be a good idea to have some type of consult anyway given his medical history? These is tons of cancer in my family..many with breast, some with lung, a cousin died at age 30 of a rare melanoma. My cousins baby just died and they were having a hard time figuring out why. So you can see how I can spook myself easily. Would appreciate any feedback!!

A consult is an excellent idea, and as soon as possible. Hopefully this will turn out NOT to be cancer, but it's not worth taking the risk of not checking it out.

There are other conditions that present at least some of these signs and symptoms. Has anyone talked about the possibility of lupus erythematosis? Have they tested him for Lyme's disease?  Sometimes a person can have several things going on at once - one illness kind of tends to hide and confuse diagnosis of the other.  That is a possibility with your son, also.

More comprehensive testing might be indicated - possibly a total body scan. 

Keep pressuring the docs for an answer. Don't settle for any "let's wait and see" answer.  I know that seeing more drs, having more tests, getting more blood drawn, etc, is not any fun for your little boy, but pushing for answers is what you must do if he is to perhaps someday have a normal life.

I wish you and your son and family the best.  Please let us know what you find out, so that we can either continue to offer you support, or all do the happy dance if it is diagnosed as something more benign.

Sincerely,

Tre

Hi Tre,

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond and for your input. The Dr. did test for Lyme..2 weeks ago.I don't know if those come back with the CBC or take longer, but she did not mention those results so I assume that was negative. All she mentioned was the low white count. I

When sent for the initial blood work, I thought they were just trying to see if he had a bacterial infection or flu. But I can now see the Dr was already trying to rule out other things..like the lyme ect...good to know they were thinking that they need to rule out something funky.

When the CBC comes back this week, I will raise my concerns ..even if white count turns out to okay..and say we just want to make sure nothing else is going one.

 The Dr. did not mention Lupus..but thanks for the tip..perhaps I will mention that we would like that ruled out!

I see you are a survivor..hope all is going well for you!!