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

It feels like stressful issues are hard to avoid these days anyway so you sure didn’t need to have another helping tossed onto your plate. Coping is a challenge under the best of circumstances so I’m really sorry the lorazapam isn’t doing its job right now. When your emotions and thoughts are out of control there’s nothing else you can think about!

Trying to find answers is a coping mechanism to help your mind wrap around what’s going on. But when you don’t even know the direction in which to search that’s not helpful for you.
If you want to do some searching, instead of looking through leukemia related articles, I’d suggest to go in the direction of mindfulness exercises and stress control!
There are wonderful Apps such as Headspace. That’s my go-to for calming, guided meditations. YouTube has plenty of videos for calming, exercising, mediation, stress relief…along with fun little tutorials for water color.
For me, distraction is the key to getting a hold on my wild-hair moments! At least it allows for incremental healing on the surface while the troubles are still ruminating deep within my mind. Gives a much needed break from the constant rawness of uncertainty.
Sending you a virtual hug…

I will take that into consideration and try to find something to keep me mentally distracted. Would you happen to know how often bone marrow test are benign indicating an auto immune disorder instead of cancer?

I have aml...this week all my labs were normal first timr since dec 2024...yay..could this indicate remission?.?

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!

How many other things could it be instead of cancer?

Hi @bettersleep68, I would say that’s a very encouraging development!! I’m sure both you and your doctor were thrilled to see those numbers!! ☺️

“How many other things could it be instead of cancer?”
Please, for your own peace of mind, just don’t go there. Looking for answers when you don’t even know the question is just going to cause you more undue stress.

I know Aug 11 feels like forever when you’d like to know your diagnosis. But until the results are all gathered and your doctor can put all pieces of the puzzle together to give you a firm answer, speculating just will not yield any peace of mind for you. @drawlings0803, @sonieaml and I have all given some really thoughtful answers to help you cope through this period of uncertainty. And we’ll be here for you when you do get an answer from your doctor.
But please be gracious to yourself and let your mind take you to more positive thoughts. Try my suggestion of meditation, getting out in nature, doing some physical activity such as exercise, art…this will help calm your mind while you process.

Are you seeing a hematologist? You should be seeing a specialist to get the best information. I was diagnosed with CMML ten years ago and mylofibrosis after that. I’m 76 and still doing fine except for very bad arthritis. There are many new drugs and treatments and more every day, so a 5year diagnisis just seems wrong. Go to a good hematologist at a research institution before you panic.

Thank you all.... I will try to redirect my thoughts till Aug 11.

I believe your question was directed to me about why I elected to forego the Bone Marrow Transplant. The process of a BMT is long and my home situation did not have the support system required for after care (typically 100 days) for that reason I elected to move on with chemo therapy. Initially I had 5 days of chemo in my port (Dacogen) and 7 days of chemo pills which (Venclexta). I had no side effects that have deterred the treatments. Weekly blood draws have enabled my care team to fine tune my “maintenance” and after 15 months we believe we have found my “sweet” spot; 1 day of dacogen (in my port)and 2 days of Venclexta (pill) every 5-6 weeks.
I support whole heartedly the guidance loribmt has provided to you! She is the very voice of reason and more importantly first hand EXPERIENCE. Let her be your guide as you navigate these new (but not necessarily treacherous) waters. AML diagnosis doesn’t have to mean a death sentence. And as others have indicated we can live a long and productive life in spite of what the doctors may say. Best wishes and prayers and we expect your update after 8/11!