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Journal by Gaaark

My wife's white cell count has stopped doubling (she thought it was going to be at 60 from 30, but it's only at 45.... So, good news in a way...the next test in 3 months should show better? the progress.

Here's hoping it levels out and just becomes chronic and steady.
Fingers crossed.

 

Reply to: Re:Thanks

    (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday May 20 2019, @11:15PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Monday May 20 2019, @11:15PM (#845667)

    I think you are worrying them unnecessarily. It can be counter-intuitive, especially for an engineer that is used to taking action and fixing things, but there is a simple truth: Sometimes the best course of action is watchful waiting. This includes certain adult-onset leukemia patients. In most cases, leukemia self-limits, and that is probably what the doctor is looking for and probably sees with the leveling off of the WBC count. I know people who have lived with counts around 100 for years, with no ill effects other than taking a day longer to recover from colds and flu. Once it levels off, or doesn't, the doctor will have a better idea of what they are dealing with and come up with a proper treatment plan. To be frank, using the wrong treatment plan and shooting from the hip can just make the problem worse.

    You are probably feeding off of Gaaark's sense of powerlessness, which is understandable. This is probably because he has been cut out of the discussions with the doctor and wife. Other than being more involved in general (hence my suggestions in another comment), what he really needs is a peek at the doctor's decision tree for the watchful waiting. This will provide the knowledge that the doctor is listening to the patient and other members of the care team, and considering all options, rather than just kicking the can down the road.

    I'd also highly recommend that Gaaark and his wife get couples counseling with someone that specializes in chronic medical conditions. They can make a large difference in dealing with diagnoses like this. I can't speak for Canada, but they are often covered by insurance in the U.S. if you get the doctor to make the referral.

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