How Did You Get Diagnosed?

On 2/20/2008 JMRo4 wrote:

I have been going to a hematologist/oncologist for approximately 2 years off and on because bloodwork keeps coming back abnormal. About 18 months ago, I had a bone marrow biopsy where cancer was ruled out. Now, my bloodwork results have changed again. I have a low WBC (2.9) and a low neutrophil count (1.4). Today my Dr. said that my LAP score came back at 17, which is still within the normal range of 11-95. However, he mentioned that a score lower than 11 would indicate CML and he wanted to "keep an eye on it". Now I have to wait 2 months and go back for another blood test. I have learned so much because I thought you just go into the doctor and they say YES - you have cancer or NO - you do not. This has not been like that. It has been a huge stresser over a period of months (and years!). Anyway, I would like to know if this is normal or if anybody else's diagnosis was much easier. I have no idea what the next blood test will bring to my life. Help!

Hi:  Its harder when you do not know what they are  looking for, but I agree with a lot of your other responses, as far as getting a second and even third opinion.  I was diagnosed with CML, after I had a elevated WBC which is usually an indication of CML.  Not a low WBC.  I went for routine blood work as I usually did every 6 months or so, and they had me repeat it again due to the elevated WBC.  If I remember correctly I started with a count over 10, up to 10 is considered normal.  Then it shot up to 18, therefore, they did a bone marrow biopsy on me immediately.  The thing that bothers me is that over a 2 year period, they did not do further testing to see why your blood work was abnormal, and now to wait 2 more months.  After the BMB confirmed my CML, I was put on treatments that did not work.  I was not a candidate for a BMT, and then Gleevec was in clinical trial in N.Y.  I have been on Gleevec now for 8 years, and just had my results this past week which showed I am in remission for 7 years.

Please do yourself a favor, and see another doctor for peace of mind.

                                                        God Bless You