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← Return to Low WBC, Low Platelets, Low RBC, Large cells - is it always Leukemia?
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Low WBC, Low Platelets, Low RBC, Large cells - is it always Leukemia?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Sep 23 6:01pm | Replies (94)Comment receiving replies
Thank you for your input. I hadn't had any symptoms at all and am not on any medications. I just turned 61 and retired last January along with my wife. Plans had included watching our first grandchild during the daytimes while our daughter worked. Now the Doctor is telling me to stay away from crowds and our grandchild once our daughter returns to work (she's a school teacher).
I still do not have any symptoms, except for extreme exhaustion from all the stress and crying.
It was a routine physical, my last bloodwork was back in 2018 and the only indication I could see was that my platelet count was at the minimum at 100. Then with Covid, and 3 years of chronic stress dealing with my dad's dementia, I thought I would take care of myself once I retired. I started exercising, 1-hour a day on the treadmill, push-ups, dropped 20lbs, down to 188 at 6'. To be honest, feeling the best I've felt in a very long time.
If Leukemia, the Doctor told me between 5-10 years left.
Replies to "Thank you for your input. I hadn't had any symptoms at all and am not on..."
Oh my goodness, @asarnesejr, The rug has been pulled right out from under you. But I hope I can help you find your footing again.
You’re young at 61 and in excellent health otherwise. That will work very well in your favor if the tests results do show any signs of leukemia. Paying attention to your health, continuing to exercise and focus on enjoying your new little grandchild will help you get through the possibly challenging moments ahead.
Honestly, I’m really surprised your doctor said you’d only have 5-10 years ahead of you. That’s not fair and very premature. You don’t even have a diagnosis yet. There have been so many advancements recently in the field of blood cancers. With treatment there are wonderful success stories where people go on to live healthy, full lives.
At 65, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of AML with a very poor prognosis. Up to 3 weeks before diagnosis, I’d been at what I felt was the peak of health! So I know what it’s like to have that rug pulled out from under me…and my husband! To say it was a shock is an understatement. But I wasn’t ready to check out! So I went through the treatments, which also required a bone marrow transplant. That gave me a second chance at life! I’m now 71 and expected to have a normal life span! Truly, I feel as though none of this ever happened.
I’m sorry that this is all happening at such a pivotal time in your life with being newly retired, having a new grand baby and plans in the works. And if I may suggest, please step away from searching online for ‘what this could be’…because this is filling you with unfounded dread. It’s time wasted.
Let’s wait to see what your test results say and then we’ll work through this together, ok?
I wish to high heaven drs wouldn’t treat people like another number/statistic! Everyone is an individual & unique. I had a friend who lived 10 years with stage 4 throat cancer, another who is still alive (20+ years) with stage 4 breast cancer, & I could go on.
There are several types of leukemia, just as there many types of any blood cancer. And there are treatments for you! To just throw out a random 5-10 years if it’s leukemia is crazy without even knowing what it is yet! (Sorry- retired nurse here & I get a little irked at drs sometimes!).
I know drs want to be transparent, but then it’s like all you hear is the bad stuff & you can’t unthink it. Try try not to focus on the worst possible scenario!
And you have found a great group here for valuable information and to be a shoulder when you need one. Keep us posted; we’re here for you!
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Please do not put the cart before the horse…I know first hand it is hard not to do. Even if your diagnosis is Leukemia the advances in treatment are far and away better than they were a few years ago. Heck even a few months ago!
I have AML. Although I was a candidate for a bone marrow transplant (May 2024) I elected not to do it. I am happy to report that in this July my MRD (minimal residual disease) blood test showed no signs of my mutations. My doctor calls it DEEP REMISSION. I will continue on maintenance treatments and continue with blood draws as my numbers continue to be below the normal range. When I asked my Doctor his goal for me he said “that you die of old age”! I get tired but then I am 77 and would certainly be tired whether I had AML or not. I am grateful every day and thank God because prayers were and continue to be answered in my case. I wish you all the best as you learn the outcome of your biopsy!