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Philadelphia chromosome: Anxiety awaiting diagnosis
I’m so confused..googling way to much and having so much anxiety.. I was referred to oncologist with a high platelet count. I’m 61 and never had a health issue until now. My blood work came back positive for the Philadelphia chromosome. My white blood count is totally normal.. my spleen is not enlarged.. no symptoms of CML..
My oncologist is doing a bone marrow to determine if I have CML or Philadelphia + essential thrombocytosis. Has anyone experienced this? I’m having a hard time finding cases of Philadelphia positive ET.. Does the Philadelphia positive chromosome always point directly to CML? Thanks for any info on this.. I’m ready to accept my diagnosis snd begin treatment .. the unknown is the worst.
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As my grandfather told my mother when she was making herself miserable with worry while she healed from an infection following her C-section to deliver me:
“Your worry won’t make the duck’s legs any longer or the crane’s legs any shorter. Just relax and let healing happen.” That thought helped her and I hope it helps you.
Select good doctors and be patient, then deal with whatever comes. The unknown will be known soon enough. Since you’ve never had a health issue in your 61 years, you must have a strong body. I’m wishing you the best in focussing your thoughts on The Positive. Look around, find daily joys and new discoveries of what is beautiful. Sending healing hugs!
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2 Reactions@raye, I love your grandfather's saying about duck's and crane's legs not changing with worry. I need to remember that one.
@ginlori0509, the waiting is the absolute worst part! Many members, like Raye, know exactly what it's like. Telling you not to worry likely won't help, but refocusing your attentions might. Once you have a diagnosis of CML or essential thrombocytosis, there are many members you can connect with here. In the meantime, let's get you through the waiting part. @suzie71 has had CML for over 20 years and is here to offer encouragement as is @anglis @claire39 @nohrt4me
GinLori, do you have any questions as you prepare for the bone marrow biopsy?
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1 ReactionThank you so much for the reassuring and kind words. I have been very lucky with my health.. I think that is part of my anxiety…
You are so right.. I need to look at the positive everyday and count my blessings.
Again.. thank you.. best of luck to you and wishing you all the best.
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1 ReactionI finally got the results of my bone marrow biopsy.. goodness what a stressful month in the unknown. That is absolutely agonizing. I’m so much more at peace knowing I have a definitive diagnosis of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and my Dr has a plan in place. I’m starting Gleevec next week. Can anyone shed some light on the side effects I may experience? My dr said it’s fairly well tolerated but may have some edema.
I pray that whoever is waiting for test results and treatment find the needed strength and peace.
Ginlori, it's amazing how much relief comes through in your message. Now that you have a diagnosis, you can move forward with the plan.
You may be interested in these related discussions:
- I've had CML for 20 years and want to encourage others https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chronic-myelogenous-leukemia-cml/
– Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chronic-myeloid-leukemia-1/
In the later conversation @craighatescancer and @living share about their experiences on Gleevec (Imatinib).