Re: My co-worker is sick and I have questions can you help

July 6, 2008

CML usually has a high

level white count at diagnosis. That would have shown up on the test

to donate - provided the techs doing it did it right. It could be

really dangerous to self diagnose from an ultra sound or a smattering of

information you gather from here and there.

__________________________

Hi Barb and Angie,

Usually when you donate blood I believe they are only checking the

hemoglobin/hematocrit to see if you are anemic.....so that would not say

anything about the white count (at least this is what they used to do in

the past).

Angie, your co-worker does have real reasons for concern.....the

combination of fatigue, bruising, a possible swollen spleen....these are

all symptoms common to leukemias. Some leukemias are acute and progress

rapidly.....but you also say she has had symptoms for a long time? That is

a real hard call about the insurance......if she sees someone now and her

dx is pre-existing, they won't cover her for a period of time, often 6

months. I can tell you if this is 'simple garden variety CML, without an

exorbitant white count or extremely high platelets which can be

dangerous....then maybe the early treatment (ie the first 6 months) will

not be so expensive and maybe she will qualify for some state program.

Early care for CML is usually....first a CBC blood test which shows the

elevated white count, then a bone marrow biopsy to determine the actual

diagnosis, then put on Gleevec (which is very expensive but without

insurance she should qualify for free or subsidized drug from

Novartis).........then some simple blood tests to monitor the effect of the

drug.

I understand the position she is in......I was 7 months without insurance

after diagnosis (because of a glitch in my coverage switching to

Medicare)......we did what we could to minimize my medical expenses. As far

as diseases to treat, standard CML (without unusual features) is fairly

uncomplicated.......it is easy to diagnose (with a bone marrow biopsy) and

the treatment path is clear. Keep in touch and let us know how it works

out for your friend.

C. (dx in 1998)

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