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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.
The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way.
Agnes' Law:
Almost everything in life is easier to get into than out of.
(Score: 3, Informative) by Gaaark on Saturday May 18 2019, @08:27PM (6 children)
I can't answer some of those questions (not a doctor), but the body produces white cells to fight infection. Infection gone? The body signals the excess/deformed cells to die (again, not a doctor).
Her cells don't die off: they just keep coming. They've been doubling, which is NOT GOOD. They've now stopped doubling (at least for a bit) which was GOOD NEWS.
If they've levelled off at her next test, that would, I assume, be GREAT!
--- Please remind me if I haven't been civil to you: I'm channeling MDC. ---Gaaark 2.0 ---
(Score: 1) by Sulla on Saturday May 18 2019, @08:44PM (5 children)
Thanks for the details
+1 for the good news
Ceterum censeo Sinae esse delendam
(Score: 1, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday May 19 2019, @09:05PM (4 children)
Depends on the type of leukemia (there are four main types) they all have different limits of what is considered good and bad and for rate of change. My guess is that the doctors aren't sure if she has acute or chronic yet, based on the "doubling" metric he used. Normal levels depend on all sorts of things, including age, sex, general health, etc., but are in the general range of 3.5-10 Based on what I know, my estimate is that the line for "raised eyebrows" for someone in her state of health (minus the cancer) and demographic is around 8.5, or 11 if they are known to have an infection at the time of testing. The real question is what the differential and smear looks like.
(Score: 2) by Gaaark on Monday May 20 2019, @04:23AM (3 children)
Unfortunately I haven't been able to attend all the appointments because of work or staying home to look after our son while she goes, so I get a lot of my info from her as "the doctor said something about...."
She's happy it didn't double, but all I know is that he's still concerned, even though it 'seems' to be slowing, so ......................and she's just plain scared.
Smear: that rings a bell... something about some of her cells being odd shaped...? She's asleep right now.
Differential....no clue. Maybe we heard a different phrase?
Reality check: i think I don't want to know too much because I really want it all to be not true and to just stop.
Not knowing the future really sucks, and not being able to do anything about it but try to be there and listen.
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucccc...... Have more questions to ask.
--- Please remind me if I haven't been civil to you: I'm channeling MDC. ---Gaaark 2.0 ---
(Score: 2, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Monday May 20 2019, @06:28AM (1 child)
If leukemia (and many cancers) aren't contained in their growth, then the cell count increases. Now slowing is a good thing, but there are different constraints as to why it stops. If the count levels off, then that is a great sign that the "acute" phase is over and it is now chronic. You can live with chronic leukemia for decades and decades. It runs in my spouse's family. There is literally not a person in her family over the age of 45 without some form of diagnosed leukemia. Some have literally lived into their 90s without problem (one would have made 100, if it wasn't for a completely different injury). Now, everyone is different but cancers aren't the death sentence they used to be. The fact that you are in watchful-waiting, rather than having active intervention is a good sign, a very good sign.
A smear is where the hematopathologist looks at a sample of your blood. They basically figure out what is wrong with your organ systems based on the damage they see in the cells. They can also give powerful information on treatment options and are a key part of the care team. (Not to be biased, since I know a few, but pathologists in general are unsung heroes in the medical field since they aren't on the "front lines.)
A differential is where they count the relative proportion of blood cells, which can be used to get their exact count. This lets you know if you are immuno-compromised (which is unlikely given the WBC you gave and the WW by the doctor) and all sort of other data in the hands of a skilled oncologist and care team.
But if you just remember three things from this post, let them be:
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 23 2019, @08:25PM
Not gaark but thanks anyway I needed that
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Monday May 20 2019, @08:03AM
You both need to know what is going on and her memory may not be accurate due to the stress and impact of hearing it personally. She needs to call the office with a clear head and ask them to mark her file for the Canadian equivalent of a HIPPO authorization. And, they should also mark it to send home a copy of the key cancer information on paper (which I'm somewhat flabbergasted that they aren't!). That way you can call and talk to her doctor directly with any concerns or questions you have AND you have a paper copy so that way you two can absorb, discuss and process the information in the safe environment of your home together. And, it will reduce the confusion and helpless feeling on both sides as you will have the same information, empowerment, and support available as a true team.