Dearest Tammy,

I am so sorry you are dealing with this stress. What first comes to mind is the nasty virus you have been fighting. Second, is the fact that the CBC was run at a different location than your ONC at Layola. My PCM has asked to run a CBC and I passed. I have heard that this can be a factor.

Please know I'm praying that your ONC will be able to put your concerns to rest.

Julie

Tammy,

Bad viruses can totally suppress the functioning of the marrow, resulting in a fall in counts. Since your husband has had the same symptoms as you, it is likely that you keep giving the infection back and forth. Of course, your oncologists' opinions are paramount, but I would suspect that the counts will return soon to baseline. The hematocrit will be the slowest to recover, because RBCs live 4 months and so are manufactured more slowly.

Let us know what your oncologists say. Rest and take care of yourself. Eat well and keep hydrated.

Cliff

Tammy -- I had a variety of things that hit me before Christmas of 2014, and whatever they were, I know they lasted for at least three months. After that I got edgy and saw my onc for a blood test and all was well. My numbers are on the low edges of normal to start with but since they were normal for me that was OK. Got some antibiotics from my GP and got out of it a few weeks later. I would certainly not panic -- it sounds like you are doing well and these prolonged things are to be expected. Several things can get you in a row -- viruses, allergies, etc. I expect you will pull out of it soon. BTW -- I am a six year survivor; you will be too before you know it -- daveB

PS -- Cliff -- it's great to read your posts -- some readers might not realize you are an MD ... so thought I would let them know. Thanks for all your great advice to me and to everyone else over the years. Take care -- daveB

Thanks all! You three are always so helpful! My onc at Loyola said she suspects it's the virus causing this since I don't have fevers or headaches or overly fatigued. She also was happy to see nothing about blasts or other odd things in my blood. I get another test Monday then see my onc next Friday with another blood test. If no improvement then she said she will consider a bone marrow biopsy. I'm hoping and praying we don't go that route!

Dearest Tammy

Im praying for great labs today! !

We are with you! Please keep us posted

Blessings
Julie

Platelets fell to 39. Everything else held steady. Bone marrow biopsy tomorrow or Thursday. I'm so scared.

Tammy,

My entire family of five just knelt and prayed for a clean bmb and healing. My three girls, Ariel, Gianna, and Trinity are prayer warriors and have been praying for your family since we "met". Only almighty God can offer peace during trials such as these. Praying for the peace that passes all understanding.

Blessings
Julie

Tammy,

I am praying for a great result. You will be on my mind. Don't panic. Viral illnesses are bad actors on fledgling marrows. Trust me.

Cliff

Friends, God is so good. My platelets are up to 86 today and all my other counts rising slowly. Dr said no bone marrow biopsy today. I'll come back to Loyola Friday for another round of labs and hopefully more good news. Thanks for being here for me.

Praising almighty God for answered prayers!!!! I can't wait to tell my girls-they keep asking how's Tammy?

This platelet jump from 39 to 86 should give all of us who struggle with these pesky fluctuations hope and joy. Thank you so much for letting us sojourn with you!

Blessings,

Julie

Sorry glad to hear the good news Tammy! We had that same nasty virus go around our house last month. I had pink eye with it too (I haven't had that since I was a kid). It took Vince about a month to completely recover from it. He is due for labs the end of this month (I'm so glad he didn't have them taken last month b/c I'm sure his numbers would have been bad). It took him so long to recover from it that it was worrying me. Then he reminded me I was still sick from it too! Praying for continued good labs for you!

Julie :)

Tammy,

You have me dancing. I hope no one is looking! I am sooooo happy.

Cliff

Great news indeed, god is good. . Very happy for you and your family! Day by day you will beat this, and the cure for everyone gets closer every day. I read an article out of Australia that says they have identified a protein that can be targeted to stop the aml cells completely without harm to the good cells. I truly believe we will see the cure in our life time.
Davej

And if Cliff is dancing its all good!! LOL!
Davej

Tammy,
I can't tell you how happy I am for you! The power of prayer certainly is strong. I look forward to hearing more good news after your visit on Friday.
John