Low WBC, Low Platelets, Low RBC, Large cells - is it always Leukemia?

Good morning @asarnesejr! How did your visit with the Hematologist go?

The visit went kindof as he alluded to on the phone during the week. I have low-risk MDS which he feels is best to monitor for now. Several of the 'fish' markers weren't in yet (not sure what they will have to say).

I do have a question maybe someone can help me with. For the last 4-5 weeks my WBC - 1.3, ANC - .6, and platelets about 76.

I just got results today from yesterdays blood draw with the following: WBC - 2.2, ANC - 1.3, Platelets - 93

Does anyone have an explanation for this increase, especially in the ANC?

Thanks for your reply.

It is interesting once you experience low hemoglobin levels you cling to each blood test to see how really low you are, and how fast you are dropping.

We study these numbers with more concern and analysis than almost anything previously in life.

I find it interesting how different things are meaningful at various stages of our lives.

Who would have thought when they were healthy a simple blood test would have such emphasis and concern.

A one point rise or fall of hemoglobin levels is the difference in staying in bed or walking like a zombie or being able to have a semblance of normalcy.

I am glad you are doing well.

How often are patients taking venetoclax for aml..would like to know different dosages. At present I take 100mg daily. Anyone else on this dosage

Hi all - can anyone give me any insight to my post 2 above?

is this thread active anymore?

This is a current discussion. But sometimes it can take time for members to respond, Occasionally discussions are idle and all it takes is someone to post again, bringing the discussion to life.

Are you still in search of an answer to this post from Aug 13 about Venetoclax dosages other members take for AML? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1369831/

You mentioned that you are on 100 mg daily. Have you seen any positive results on this dosage?

Hi again - I'm the 60 year old that got diagnosed with low-risk MDS recently in August.

I went for a 2nd opinion at another hospital, and the Hematologist there felt that 3 weeks of B12 injections (153) was not enough to rule out a vitamin B12 deficiency. He felt low B12 could mimic my low WBC, ANC, large Red Cells, and lower Platelet counts. He is recommending that I go for a full 8-weeks on weekly B12 injections and see how my body responds. In his words, he is 'skeptical of the diagnosis'.

Does anyone have any thoughts to this? This emotional rollercoaster is putting me into a state of panic and depression. Now I have to wait till September 16th to find out if I have a life altering MDS or a B12 deficency.

I'm right there with you. Seeing my hematologist on the 8th. I've had low platelets, and iron deficiency with an enlarged spleen. BMB came back with MDS SF3B1.

@asarnesejr You are on a rollercoaster! Those are vastly different diagnoses. You wondered why you had varying CBC results. I am not a Dr, but my results have varied especially if I was sick and possibly on other meds. A Dr can tell you why the variations. I do not understand the different diagnoses. The counts you posted originally were like a mirror of my own at different points. What did the FISH results show. It is important that you see a Hematologist who is also an Oncologist. If you can be seen by a a Hem/Onc at an MDS Center of Excellence that's even better. Did the 2nd Dr see the results of the BMB? Hem/Oncs don't pursue a BMB unless there is cause. Centers of Excellence: https://www.mds-foundation.org/community/centers-of-excellence/browse/?country=US