Leukemia?

[KellMart]

5 months ago, I had my blood drawn for school. My WBC came back low at 2.6 (normal limit 3.4-10.8), My Neutrophils came back 28L (normal 40-74), Absolute Neutrophils 0.7L (normal 1.4-7.0), Lymphs high at 57 (normal 14-46) Monocytes 12 (normal 4-12). I go back next month for a repeat Xs two with a peripheral smear. They didn't really explain to me what this means and I'm a little worried that it could be cancer. I do have night sweats sometimes, I wake up with the top of my shirt damp. Should I be worried?

[suzzie61]

HI:  I have not been on here in awhile, but I saw your postings.  I know how painful those BMB can be, but now you will find out what is going on.
I will try to get back on to see how you made out.  Been so busy with so many other medical problems, but I have Leukemia for almost 16 years.
Whatever you have going on, just keep in mind that these diseases can be treated so much better now with all the great advances in medication etc.

[KellMart]

They took 6 vials of blood and tested me for 11 diff thing- HIV, Hepatitis A, B & C, Lupus, Autoimmune, Rheumatoid Arthritis, my liver, Vitamin B and a few other things. I went on Wed. and they all came back negative, so I went yesterday to get a bone marrow biopsy. They had me looped up on IV ativan, and numbed the spot twice, but boy did it hurt once they got to and passed the bone. I go back next Thursday for the results. We're hoping that I'm just stubborn and not circulating white blood cells like I should. haha. I will let you know the results once there back. Thank you for your concern!

[Mochadelicious]

Hi KellMart,
I was just wondering how your appointment with the Hematologist went?  I hope all is well.

[KellMart]

Well. My left lymph node is swollen. Has been

[Mochadelicious]

Hi KellMart,
I am sorry you are going through this experience.  I imagine this is very scary for you.  I must say the symptoms you are presenting with are concerning, but I do think it's good that you are going to see a hematologist.  I'm also hopeful that the lack of any obvious swollen lymph nodes is a good sign.  Hopefully, he/she will be able to give you some answers soon.

I'll be watching for your update (hopefully after your appointment next week).

[KellMart]

It's been 6 months. I got blood re drawn and my WBC count has dropped a lot more. WBC went from a 2.6-1.7, my Absolute Neutrophil count went from a 0.6-0.4, My lymphocytes and Monocytes are still high... I go to the Hematologist next week. So hopefully I can find the cause to this. Been spiking a 99.5 temp here and there and been feeling tired and sick from time to time. Thought I would keep you guys posted and I'll let ya know about me results! Hopefully not so bad news

[KellMart]

It's been 6 months. I got blood re drawn and my WBC count has dropped a lot more. WBC went from a 2.6-1.7, my Absolute Neutrophil count went from a 0.6-0.4, My lymphocytes and Monocytes are still high... I go to the Hematologist next week. So hopefully I can find the cause to this. Been spiking a 99.5 temp here and there and been feeling tired and sick from time to time. Thought I would keep you guys posted and I'll let ya know about me results! Hopefully not so bad news

[Mochadelicious]

Good for you.  No point in worrying about it at this point.  Good luck on your finals.

[KellMart]

Thank you very much! I definitely will keep you guys posted. Was good to get some feed back! I'm just going to worry about finals and my enjoy my break and try and put the blood test in the back of my head until I know my secondary results.

[Mochadelicious]

I hope your blood test and peripheral smear goes well.  Most people with a blood cancer usually first develope one or more enlarged, painless lymph nodes and this is what promps them to go see a doctor.  Some people develop other symptoms (called B symptoms) which often indicates a more progressed disease.  These symptoms range from low grade fevers, drenching night sweats, extreme weight loss and sometimes an all over itchiness.  That said, Leukemias and Lymphomas can be very difficult to diagnose and don't always present in a predictable manner.

I can tell you that the only way blood cancers can be officially diagnosed is by biopsy of a swollen node.  Blood tests are used more as a tool to steer doctors in the right direction.  As a student nurse, you probably know most of this, but I wanted to cover all my bases just in case.

I hope you can keep us posted on your upcoming blood test.  

[KellMart]

Not that I'm aware of. I get a lot of sinus infections that go to my chest lately. Had a CT scan on my head d/t sharp head pain and all it showed was a severe sinus infection, even tho my sinuses felt fine. I'm a second term nursing student & work full time, so of course I get tired a lot.. My WBC count was low a few years ago, but now my absolute neutrophil count is really low at 0.7. I did research online and seen how many different things it could be. I go back to the doctor on the 7th for another blood draw and peripheral smear.

[Mochadelicious]

Hello and welcome to the forum.  Blood test results are not easy to interpret, especially by someone not trained in the medical field so I won't even try.  However, if you are having frequent night sweats it might be good to be seen by your doctor.  Have you had any swollen lymph nodes or fevers?