CancerCompass message board discussion started by Tami8400 on 4/8/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22807,0.htm Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I had some blood work done and my red blood cells are elevated and have been so for quite a while. I have been referred to an oncologist. this has really put a scare into me and my whole family because an oncologist is a cancer dr. i still have 2 weeks before my appointment. does my regular dr. think i have cancer or does anyone have any idea what might be going on? Tami8400 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT how elevated?  Your oncologist is also a hematologist which involves blood and blood cells.  An elevated RBC may be caused by several conditions including congenital heart disease, dehydration (such as from severe diarrhea), obstructive lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, or excess RBC production (polycythemia vera). Oncrx Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT If your red cells are elevated then it is obvious that something is wrong in your system and I think it was smart of your doctor to start off with the worst case senario.  He probably wants to rule out cancer to start with and quite possibly it can be something else.  To tell you not to worry is like telling you not to breath, I know that.  But try not to worry.  Tell everyone you know that will pray for you to pray and try to be positive during this time.  Keep us posted on this board and we will be here to celebrate good news or help encourage you if it is not.  I think its going to be good news.Gerri Gerri Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT