Hello. I am a 43 year old female. History of Hashimotos since 2016. I was going through IVF a year ago and the bloodwork showed low ferritin. I had an iron transfusion which helped. Fast forward to December of last year i started having abnormal CBCs. My monocytes have been persistently elevated and the white blood cell count goes up (was 12.4) and comes down. Also have elevated hematocrit and hemoglobin. Negative for JAK mutation. Flow cytometry showed no abnormalities per the hematologist. I am scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy. My last CBC has me scared. Elevated monocytes and basophils. Now my MPV is trending and is low. Platelet count is normal. Iron is low normal and saturation is low. Please help me. I can’t stop thinking I have a blood cancer.
Hi @Bujabuja337 thanks for finding our forum.
It sounds as if you have and are having the lots of tests.
Perhaps when you have had the last test result back, possibly from what you say your bone marrow biopsy, at that appointment have all your fears, questions and practicalities written down, it helps me, and ask your specialist.
Tell them you cannot stop thinking about blood cancer.
Is there a reason you think it might be blood cancer?
It is so difficult with such generic symptoms and all tests are to rule things in or out.
Please do let us know how you get on and be very kind and look after yourself, I find being anxious can be exhausting.
Hello @Bujabuja337,
Thank you for your post.
We are sorry to hear that you are going through a worrying time.
I would agree with Erica that speaking to your team at your appointment and letting them know how you are feeling should be useful and they will be able to help with any queries or concerns you have.
It is understandable to feel worried whilst waiting for tests or results and we can imagine this is a daunting time.
If you would like to speak with one of our support staff, please get in touch on 0808 2080 888.
In addition, you may find our 'Blood cancer symptoms and signs’ page helpful to read - it contains information on what to look out for, as well as prompts for questions you might like to ask your doctor/ team.
As it explains on the webpage:
“Most people who have symptoms described on this page won’t have blood cancer. But it’s worrying to have symptoms you can’t explain, and important to find out what’s causing them, if only to set your mind at rest.”
We also have information about normal ranges on our website, and you can read more about each of the tests that might be done to confirm or rule out blood cancer here: bloodcancer.org.uk/understanding-blood-cancer/tests-diagnosis. This includes information on bone marrow biopsy tests too.
White blood cells can be raised for numerous reasons including inflammation, infection and allergies/ sensitivities, but we would advise letting your team know about how you are feeling and expressing your concerns to them.
Take care,
Emma (Support Services Nurse)