I’ve been feeling under the weather for a while now, constantly feeling like I have the flu, body hurts, exhausted, swollen glands that don’t hurt and don’t seem to be going down.
I went to the doctors a few weeks about mainly feeling down about being unwell all the time and my full blood count came back abnormal. (High white blood cells). I came back for a restest yesterday and they have come back abnormal again (higher than last week).
I know I shouldn’t Google things but I have and now I’m really worried about what’s going on.
I have an apointment with the doctor next week to discuss my results, but what would generally happen next if the doctor (or I) suspected cancer?
Hi @DeeF a great big welcome and I am so glad that you have found us.
Obviously you are really concerned, it’s the not knowing which is so, so horrible, I know my thoughts and feelings go into overdrive and yes, not helped by Google.
A medical diagnosis takes so many things into account, and we are all very special individuals.
Perhaps in preparation you might write down your symptoms, the severity of them and the impact on your daily life.
Also your medical history and medications you might be on.
Then any questions and fears you already have.
If a diagnosis is made or not your doctor will decide whether they can treat you or you need a referral to a specialist.
Medical people often use a medical language so do ensure that you ask for clarification and ensure all your questions are answered.
In between really look after yourself and be kind to yourself, fear and anxiety is so exhausting.
Please let us know how you get on.
Thank you Erica for responding and for being so kind. It’s so hard not to worry isn’t it: it feels like I’ve been constantly unwell for such a while now that it’s having such a big impact on my day to day life and mental wellbein. That and trying to work full time, run about after a small child and look after a home. It’s all just a bit overwhelming
Hi @DeeF you have got a lot on your plate, I am not surprised it is all overwhelming.
Even if it is just a hot bubbly bath at the end of the hectic day I find it helps and it just gives me a bit of ‘me’ time which is so important.
On the housework side perhaps just do what is really necessary.
Be kind to yourself
Erica has given you some very good advice @DeeF . I know it’s easier said then done but try not to worry and wait and see what your medical team tell you. Once you know what you’re dealing with, even if it’s not great news, it gives you something to fight and something to aim for. I was surprised when I was diagnosed that I felt more relief than worry once they told me as at least I knew what I was dealing with and I finally knew that I hadn’t been mistaken the whole time that there was something wrong with me. Up til then I had trouble getting anyone to take me seriously.
Hi @DeeF,
Welcome to our forum! I’m sorry to hear that you have been feeling unwell recently. Others have already given brilliant advice & we do know that as well as being brilliant, the internet can so often cause further panic and lead you down a rabbit warren of worry.
It is reassuring to hear that your GP has taken further bloods taken for a comparison & that you have a follow up appointment next week.
For reassurance, we know that there can often be a number of reasons why white blood cells are raised such as infection & viruses. So your GP will likely run further tests to eliminate this at your next appointment.
In case it is helpful our webpage here talks about symptoms of blood cancer which may help in your conversation with your GP about what you have been experiencing over the past few weeks- Blood cancer symptoms and signs | Blood Cancer UK
It is important to remember that most people who have symptoms described on this page won’t have blood cancer. But it’s important to find out what’s causing them.
It is a worrying time and not knowing is actually the worst time as your mind goes into overdrive. Getting some answers can almost be a relief. As others have said there can be many reasons for a raised white cell count and your symptoms please let us know how you get on and very best of luck x
Thank you all for the kind words. I have another retest in just over a week, the doctor has said if my fbc is still abnormal then I’ll be referred straight to hospital.
I’ve also been referred for an ultra sound on my upper abdomen as I’ve been experiencing some intense pain.