I am sitting here with tears in my eyes as I write about our latest health challenge. Our PCP is referring us to a hematologist (doctor specializing in blood disorders) because the latest bloodwork my DH had showed a significant rise in the white blood cell count...specifically the lymphocytes; he had been watching this for about a year, checking the bloodwork every 3-4 months, and it has risen a little each time. At first he said it may be due to his meds, many times meds can cause lymphocytosis...but if this is the case, the count will level off. However, at our last appointment, last week, he saw the count had risen quite a bit. He suggested it may be some type of leukemia...and that is why he wants us to see the hematologist so he can do a bone marrow biopsy, and diagnose what is going on. I think I am still in shock at hearing this, and just wanted to share with all of you what is going on. I am praying for strength to handle whatever happens...I will definitely let you all know.
Let's hope there's a less serious explanation. It's important that they do the biopsy and diagnose what's going on. The stress of going through this and waiting for the outcome is the last thing you need. Here's hoping the answer is less serious.
Bella, Four yrs. ago my hb was diagnosed with CLL because of high WBC. Tests revealed enlarged lymphnodes and spleen. Numbers continued to rise but we were told unless they went to 100+ it was just wait. Two years ago the leukemia broke out his skin, did biopsy to confirm and were planning on chemo. I went through the counseling and decided with my hb that he couldn't handle the risks and we would just go on. Last months bloodwork revealed the WBC was back in the normal range.....remission! Don't worry, wait until you get more tests and answers...praying for you.
Thank you all for your encouraging words...I feel a little more hopeful now that it may not be as serious as I am fearing. Will try to take it in small steps...thank you for your thoughts and prayers! Andy, that is indeed promising for you and your husband.
Bella, all that I can offer on this subject is to let you know you are being prayed for. I hope you have peace and don't let the negative thoughts of what it could be upset you. Peace to you and your dh........
Just thought I would update all of you on what we found as the diagnosis for my DH. He has Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia stage 2, and basically, the Hematologist/Oncologist will monitor him every 2 months...checking his blood counts and making sure there are no drastic elevations in the white blood cells, and lymphocytes. He had a blood test called a flow cytometry, and a CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis (to rule out any organ involvement...his spleen is enlarged, which the doctor was able to palpate). I want to thank all of you for your words of encouragement, and your prayers. This is something we can deal with...the doctor said that very often the counts will stay the same for years.