Hi I’m new and just joined. I’m not sure if I’m posting in right place. So my sister had a full blood test done and had high rbc high lymphocytes and raised infection markers she as urgently been referred to a hemotolagist and as got to have the JAK2 test done. We are so worried we looking at a blood cancer diagnosis and the strange thing is the appointment is in a cancer day unit my local hospital
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Hi @Sammyx11 and welcome to the forum.
First thing is to take a deep breath and breathe. It sounds like your sister is in good hands and they will be trying to rule things out as much as they try and rule things in.
The cancer day unit will have the equipment to do the tests and have strong links to other departments, so will be the best place to do the various tests.
Ignore Doc Google and let the medical team do their job, better to know what you are facing than trying to second guess the possibilities.
There is some great info on the site here My friend or family member has blood cancer | Blood Cancer UK
Just stay supportive to your sister, listen to her fears and if need be, be her ears and eyes when required.
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Hi @Sammyx11 I am so glad that you have found us and it sounds to me that your sister is being well looked after.
I agree that most blood cancers have very generic symptoms and the tests your sister is having are to rule diagnosis in or out.
It must be a very anxious time not knowing and waiting.
Just to let you know I actually have my osteoporosis treatment in the cancer day unit of my hospital. They seem to cover a lot of conditions in my hospital.
@clickinhistory has given you a great response.
I agree Dr Google is not the best thing to do.
The main thing you can do is to look after yourselves and please do keep posting on here how you are both doing
Please do be as kind to yourself as you are your sister, she is lucky to have you.
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Hello @Sammyx11
Welcome to the Forum.
How are coping? How is your sister, is she unwell or were her raised blood counts found by accident?
As both @clickinhistory and @Erica have said other appointments can happen in a cancer unit, but it does not mean your sister has cancer.
I have always found it so awful that some Consultants can only see patients in a cancer unit, and there are no other clinic rooms available in the hospital. This was true of the hospital I worked in. Frequently patients would attend for an appointment expecting to be told they had cancer, having not slept for days, and huge anxiety, then they have a repeat blood test and get told it is not a cancer. It’s very triggering for some people.
The JAK2 test is used to rule in, and often rule out, some types of blood cancer, it’s quite commonly used if other blood cell counts are abnormal and not expected.
Hopefully your sister doesn’t have to wait too long for her appointment.
Best wishes to you both, Heidi.
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No my sister has a huge alcohol problem and her bloods were all over the place she’s having a JAK2 done tomorrow
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I am so sorry to hear about your sisters huge alcohol problem @Sammyx11 it cannot be easy for you.
I hope your sister’s medical team are aware of the problem.
If your sister were to want to stop drinking please ensure she does it with medical help.
Please do look after yourself being a carer can be a thankless task.
Who asks about the carer, nobody usually, but we do on our forum.
Please do keep posting
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I really hope she is able to get the right help and support with her alcohol problem.
Yes, excess alcohol can cause very deranged blood results, so a JAK2 test is helpful in knowing if the high counts are caused by disease or alcohol, then the medical team know how to treat it.
She is lucky to have a caring sister in you @Sammyx11, but make sure to look after yourself too.
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