Please relax -- up to 5% is normal -- I do not know why your doctor did not tell you that. Blasts are nothing more than baby blood cells. Since your system is creating new ones all the time, some of them have to be babies. It is only when these babies do not grow up and begin to be productive that there is a problem (much like society). AML is over 30%; MDS is between 6% and about 25% (25-30% is sort of no man's land where chances are very good that the MDS is turning into AML. Perhaps the doctor was not an oncologist? No matter -- it is goodd that you are going to get a BMB ... that should resolve it and you should not worry about it until you get those results. Hope this helps -- dave

Chicago Mom,

I only had blasts in my blood during induction so I am sorry I do not hae expereince with this. I know you hae also been struggling with anc recovery. How are your counts? Praying

Julie

My counts have steadily been rising. ANC was 2.02, plates at 84, Hgb is 11.3 and Wbc 4.2. My dr did say she was not concerned yet. Dave, are those percentages for blood or marrow? I though under 5% was ok for marrow but there shouldn't be blasts in blood at all.

Great counts! So glad to see them come up! Praying this 1% is a fluke

Dear Chicago mum,
We all know how horrible it is to have to wait for results, and that it is impossible not to worry, but if you can, that is what you need to do for now. Keep focused on the things you can control - keep yourself well, eat well, exercise, spend quality time with your family. Keep strong and know we are all wishing and praying for the very best news for you. Love and hugs xxx

I had 1% a few months ago. (SCT 10/21/14) They are gone now. Doc didn't even bring it up to me, I saw it on my blood work.

Hugs and reassurance.

Chicagamom -- yes, you are right -- the 5% is for bone marrow not for blood. Typically there will be none found in normal blood. However, I would think that as low as 1% would not be a major issue. I expect this is why they did not even tell Lora -- did not want to bother her for something that might not be of any consequence. Good thing they are going to be doing a BMB shortly -- that will put this to rest. Sorry for my error, We live and learn. Thanks -- dave

Chicago,

I agree with everything that has been said. Those blasts are immature cells from an active marrow and you have no need to panic. Like Lora's, those blasts should soon go away.

Cliff

No blasts found today. Bone marrow biopsy tomorrow. If all clear then my PICC line comes out this week and I can move on I hope. Thanks all. Prayers appreciated for good results.

You definitely have my prayers Chicago!! Ubber clean bmb and picc line out. What huge milestones. This nightmare is soon going to be in your reat view mirror.

Julie

Great news! You are in my prayers.

Karen

In between treatments and such I would occasionally have a 1% show up on the labs. My doctors were never concerned since my bone marrow was constantly being "restarted". As you recover post treatment, you'll notice the numbers constantly shift as your bone marrow tries to regain a state of equilibrium again. All will be well!

Chicago,

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers for a clean bmb.

Blessings
Julie