Blood test results

Hello everyone,

I saw my oncologist Monday, May 9. She didn't offer another Pet Scan,
because the last 2 scans were negative for cancer. I am due to see her
again in Sept 2011.

I did have a complete blood test. I was able to get some of the results
on Monday. Everything was perfect on the first sheet.

Yesterday, I had to see my regular doctor, internist. A normal visit,
only went because I haven't seen him in 5 months. Anyway, he informed
me the final results came in. There were a few negatives on some tests,
but, he couldn't go into it, because I have to speak with my
oncologist for any questions I might have. All he told me some of the results
were low. I was so mad at him. Right then and there in his office I called the
oncologist. I got right through to her.

Here are the negatives.

QUANT. IMMUNOGLOBULIN

lgG 543 low - normal 700 - 1600
lgM 38 low - normal 40 - 230

I asked the oncologist if she was alarmed, and should I return to her office
before my scheduled visit in Sept 2011. She told me no, the results were low
because of the Rituxan I had in Dec 2009. Is that possilbe? So long ago I had
treatment? I am not panicing right now.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks guys. Love Maggie

Comments

  • miss maggie
    miss maggie Member Posts: 929
    my post was almost gone
    Hello,

    Please note how long my post is. After I typed my post, I wasn't able to post my comment. It is a very good thing, whenever I answer a post, or submit a post, I always click "COPY".


    I was able to start all over, and just click "PASTE".

    Maggie
  • CountryGal7557
    CountryGal7557 Member Posts: 164 Member
    IgG most important blood factor
    Hi Maggie, My oncologist stated the IgG is the most important element that he is tracking, along with my Vit D and possibly some others.

    He said he expects my IgA and IgM to be low yet & it's because of the treatment. My Chemo treatment ended July 2010 and the last of Rituxan was end of Aug 2010. He graphs these 3 since the day I was diagnosed & I can see they jump and down a little bit. You've been in remission over a year, have you been tracking each number on a graph? Is it jumping up and down a bit?

    Mine:
    IgA continues to be low, April 2011 reading was 45 (70-400 range)
    IgM continues to be low, April 2011 reading was 38 (40-230 range)

    My IgG was higher in Dec 2010 @ 820 (higher than when I was diagnosed), then in April 2011 it dropped down to 711. (700-1600 is the range) My Oncologist wasn't worried because it's still in the normal range, but I was! I was so concerned about it dropping from Dec that I was convincing myself the cancer was back. So I scheduled an apt with my regular women's doctor & I requested new blood work and after seeing your post, I called her office for the results so I could post tonight.

    My IgG went UP!! it's now 794.

    If I were you, I would ask the Oncologist what s/he is monitoring if it isn't the IgG. and how far below the low range before s/he schedules a PET Scan? these are the first two questions I thought of when I saw your post. Now that I know that my IgG jumped up again, if I were you, I'd have the blood work checked again in a month. I would not wait and do nothing till Sept.

    I hope this helps!
    Hugs!!
    Janelle
  • CountryGal7557
    CountryGal7557 Member Posts: 164 Member

    IgG most important blood factor
    Hi Maggie, My oncologist stated the IgG is the most important element that he is tracking, along with my Vit D and possibly some others.

    He said he expects my IgA and IgM to be low yet & it's because of the treatment. My Chemo treatment ended July 2010 and the last of Rituxan was end of Aug 2010. He graphs these 3 since the day I was diagnosed & I can see they jump and down a little bit. You've been in remission over a year, have you been tracking each number on a graph? Is it jumping up and down a bit?

    Mine:
    IgA continues to be low, April 2011 reading was 45 (70-400 range)
    IgM continues to be low, April 2011 reading was 38 (40-230 range)

    My IgG was higher in Dec 2010 @ 820 (higher than when I was diagnosed), then in April 2011 it dropped down to 711. (700-1600 is the range) My Oncologist wasn't worried because it's still in the normal range, but I was! I was so concerned about it dropping from Dec that I was convincing myself the cancer was back. So I scheduled an apt with my regular women's doctor & I requested new blood work and after seeing your post, I called her office for the results so I could post tonight.

    My IgG went UP!! it's now 794.

    If I were you, I would ask the Oncologist what s/he is monitoring if it isn't the IgG. and how far below the low range before s/he schedules a PET Scan? these are the first two questions I thought of when I saw your post. Now that I know that my IgG jumped up again, if I were you, I'd have the blood work checked again in a month. I would not wait and do nothing till Sept.

    I hope this helps!
    Hugs!!
    Janelle

    fatigue, tired or achy joints
    Maggie...when you had your blood work done, were you experiencing fatigue, low energy, tired, or have achy joints? I had a tough few months with all of this before my blood work was done and I thought that might be the reason my IgG dropped from 820 to 711 and now up to 794! With the warm weather we're now having, my achy joints have not been that bad, thus I feel better, do more, etc. That's another question I'm going to ask the Oncologist or ARthritis Specialist I'm seeing in a week. Can fatigue, etc affect the IgG element?
    Talk to later
    Janelle
  • onlytoday
    onlytoday Member Posts: 609 Member
    IGM levels
    Hi,

    My oncologist uses IGM a lot to track my lymphoma. It was as high as 1600 before tx, dropped during tx and then went up again. Mine has been elevated since Rituxan (last time it was down to 1100). Had more blood work today and IGM not in yet. She said that the Rituxan often increases it temporarily (ended Rituxan in September). I trust her but this is confusing to me. In light of what you were told it seems really off. I do know that I still have lymphoma in a groin lymph node, my stomach and probable in my small intestine. Today the cat scan result did not show it in the small intestine but I have symptoms. I also now have a swollen gland in my neck that is pressing on something. I think it is still elevated because of the disease that is present. We are doing watchful waiting for now.

    Have a second opinion scheduled at Sloan Kettering at the end of the month.

    Sorry I didn't really help you, I just vented.

    Love,
    Donna
  • CountryGal7557
    CountryGal7557 Member Posts: 164 Member
    onlytoday said:

    IGM levels
    Hi,

    My oncologist uses IGM a lot to track my lymphoma. It was as high as 1600 before tx, dropped during tx and then went up again. Mine has been elevated since Rituxan (last time it was down to 1100). Had more blood work today and IGM not in yet. She said that the Rituxan often increases it temporarily (ended Rituxan in September). I trust her but this is confusing to me. In light of what you were told it seems really off. I do know that I still have lymphoma in a groin lymph node, my stomach and probable in my small intestine. Today the cat scan result did not show it in the small intestine but I have symptoms. I also now have a swollen gland in my neck that is pressing on something. I think it is still elevated because of the disease that is present. We are doing watchful waiting for now.

    Have a second opinion scheduled at Sloan Kettering at the end of the month.

    Sorry I didn't really help you, I just vented.

    Love,
    Donna

    High IgM
    Donna, that is very interesting how high your IgM is. My oncologist is watching all 3, but he emphasized the importance of the IgG. Where is your IgG at if you know you have lymphoma in groin/stomach area?

    Please post your results, ok?

    Hugs!
    Janelle
  • Michele23
    Michele23 Member Posts: 168

    High IgM
    Donna, that is very interesting how high your IgM is. My oncologist is watching all 3, but he emphasized the importance of the IgG. Where is your IgG at if you know you have lymphoma in groin/stomach area?

    Please post your results, ok?

    Hugs!
    Janelle

    Clueless here
    What is this under?Don't see it on my bloodwork?Thanks Michele Dx95 FNHL3
  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    Michele23 said:

    Clueless here
    What is this under?Don't see it on my bloodwork?Thanks Michele Dx95 FNHL3

    Me too!!
    Me too Michele...I can't find this on any of my blood work reports either..???
    Sue..(FNHL-2-3A-6/10)
  • CountryGal7557
    CountryGal7557 Member Posts: 164 Member
    Michele23 said:

    Clueless here
    What is this under?Don't see it on my bloodwork?Thanks Michele Dx95 FNHL3

    Immunoglobulins (IMM)
    Michele,
    Mine is listed under Immunoglobuline IMM
    IgG 794 mg/dL 700-1600
    IgA [L] 45 mg/dL 70-400
    IgM [L] 38 mg/dL 40-230

    the L is because those two are low. If your Oncologist isn't requesting these in your blood work Order, then I guess I'd ask s/he why. But some Oncologists have patients do PET scans every 3-4 months, but my Onc. doesn't want me doing that many PET scans. So that's why I'm really interested in tracking these three.

    now that we're comparing numbers though, it really appears to be individualized. so weird
    Hugs
    Janelle
  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 Member Posts: 2,401 Member

    Immunoglobulins (IMM)
    Michele,
    Mine is listed under Immunoglobuline IMM
    IgG 794 mg/dL 700-1600
    IgA [L] 45 mg/dL 70-400
    IgM [L] 38 mg/dL 40-230

    the L is because those two are low. If your Oncologist isn't requesting these in your blood work Order, then I guess I'd ask s/he why. But some Oncologists have patients do PET scans every 3-4 months, but my Onc. doesn't want me doing that many PET scans. So that's why I'm really interested in tracking these three.

    now that we're comparing numbers though, it really appears to be individualized. so weird
    Hugs
    Janelle

    Rituxan
    Hey Guys,
    I know very little about the R. I should know more than what I do,but know very little. I am slowly finding out it has all kinds of side effects. I know it is an antibody and will play hell on our immune system.I learned that when I had a cold that would not go away for over a month recently and thats about it. John(FNHL-1-4A-5/10)
  • onlytoday
    onlytoday Member Posts: 609 Member

    High IgM
    Donna, that is very interesting how high your IgM is. My oncologist is watching all 3, but he emphasized the importance of the IgG. Where is your IgG at if you know you have lymphoma in groin/stomach area?

    Please post your results, ok?

    Hugs!
    Janelle

    Other results
    Janelle,

    Don't have the other numbers but will get them. I do know they are within normal ranges though. The only numbers that are constantly abnormal are IGM (high) and Ferritan storage (low). My onc also doesn't do the pet scans and really resists any scans at all. She also resists treatment until it is absolutely necessary. My disease is now present in my stomach (per a biopsy), left groin, and still probable small intestine per symptoms. Getting a second opinion on that. I also have an enlarged node in my neck. I have neck pain and have had diarrhea since December. My onc only treats when symptoms effect your life so right now we are on watchful waiting and getting second opinions, per her and my decision. Seeing if the sm intestine issue is lymphoma related and waiting to see if the neck node enlarges.

    Interesting (but confusing) to hear other doctors opinions! Love sharing info though. Knowledge is power.

    Love and best wishes to all,
    Donna
  • CountryGal7557
    CountryGal7557 Member Posts: 164 Member
    onlytoday said:

    Other results
    Janelle,

    Don't have the other numbers but will get them. I do know they are within normal ranges though. The only numbers that are constantly abnormal are IGM (high) and Ferritan storage (low). My onc also doesn't do the pet scans and really resists any scans at all. She also resists treatment until it is absolutely necessary. My disease is now present in my stomach (per a biopsy), left groin, and still probable small intestine per symptoms. Getting a second opinion on that. I also have an enlarged node in my neck. I have neck pain and have had diarrhea since December. My onc only treats when symptoms effect your life so right now we are on watchful waiting and getting second opinions, per her and my decision. Seeing if the sm intestine issue is lymphoma related and waiting to see if the neck node enlarges.

    Interesting (but confusing) to hear other doctors opinions! Love sharing info though. Knowledge is power.

    Love and best wishes to all,
    Donna

    Ferritan storage
    Hi Donna,

    Sounds like you are in good hands and have a good relationship with your Oncologist - which is so important, isn't it?! I fully trust my Oncologist also, and know he has my best interests at heart.

    What is the Ferritan storage? I'm sure our Oncologists are watching different bloodwork elements due to our personal symptoms. It's awesome to share our experiences, so we all become more informed to 'talk' the talk with our Oncologist.

    Knowledge is POWER!
    Hugs all around!
    Love
    Janelle
  • miss maggie
    miss maggie Member Posts: 929

    fatigue, tired or achy joints
    Maggie...when you had your blood work done, were you experiencing fatigue, low energy, tired, or have achy joints? I had a tough few months with all of this before my blood work was done and I thought that might be the reason my IgG dropped from 820 to 711 and now up to 794! With the warm weather we're now having, my achy joints have not been that bad, thus I feel better, do more, etc. That's another question I'm going to ask the Oncologist or ARthritis Specialist I'm seeing in a week. Can fatigue, etc affect the IgG element?
    Talk to later
    Janelle

    Janelle fatigue
    Dear Janelle,

    Before I forget, I am curious about Ferritan storage also? I checked my
    blood results sheet, and didn't find it.

    Janelle, I am not tired, fatigued, or experiencing low energy at all. Actually
    I have too much energy. Achy joints, yes. I have always had a problem with my
    right knee, but since having the BMB, my right hip is such a bother. I used to
    do so much walking, now I find when I walk too much, I get very tired. Also, my
    balance is not good because of the right hip. I find myself driving to some
    destinations, where before I used to walk.

    I didn't mention my lgA results, because they were normal - 224 - normal 70 - 400

    I think I have to respond to another post from you. Gee whiz - is ignorance better???

    Love Maggie
  • miss maggie
    miss maggie Member Posts: 929

    IgG most important blood factor
    Hi Maggie, My oncologist stated the IgG is the most important element that he is tracking, along with my Vit D and possibly some others.

    He said he expects my IgA and IgM to be low yet & it's because of the treatment. My Chemo treatment ended July 2010 and the last of Rituxan was end of Aug 2010. He graphs these 3 since the day I was diagnosed & I can see they jump and down a little bit. You've been in remission over a year, have you been tracking each number on a graph? Is it jumping up and down a bit?

    Mine:
    IgA continues to be low, April 2011 reading was 45 (70-400 range)
    IgM continues to be low, April 2011 reading was 38 (40-230 range)

    My IgG was higher in Dec 2010 @ 820 (higher than when I was diagnosed), then in April 2011 it dropped down to 711. (700-1600 is the range) My Oncologist wasn't worried because it's still in the normal range, but I was! I was so concerned about it dropping from Dec that I was convincing myself the cancer was back. So I scheduled an apt with my regular women's doctor & I requested new blood work and after seeing your post, I called her office for the results so I could post tonight.

    My IgG went UP!! it's now 794.

    If I were you, I would ask the Oncologist what s/he is monitoring if it isn't the IgG. and how far below the low range before s/he schedules a PET Scan? these are the first two questions I thought of when I saw your post. Now that I know that my IgG jumped up again, if I were you, I'd have the blood work checked again in a month. I would not wait and do nothing till Sept.

    I hope this helps!
    Hugs!!
    Janelle

    Janelle, now what do I do
    Dear Janelle,

    What wonderful news your LgG went from 711 to 794. 794 sounds good to me. I went over all the results of past blood tests, this is the first time I saw "Immunoglobulin, lgG, lgA, and lgM.
    I did mention in another post to you, my lgA was normal 224 - normal range 70 - 400.

    I have another thought. Perhaps, because my last 2 scans were negative for cancer, I never had
    the Immunoglobulin tests? But, this Monday no Pet Scan ordered, just the Immunoglobulin tests.

    Janelle, now what do I do? I did talk with my oncologist on the phone about the low numbers, and should I be concerned and come into her office sooner. She told me no, the low numbers
    were because of the Rituxan and would see me in Sept.

    Thanks for the advice. One way or another I will get another blood test in a month. I will be emailing my internist about getting blood work next month. Since this doctor was present in the room when I called my oncologist, not sure what he will say?? Or, I haven't had a pap
    test in about 5 years, I wonder will this doctor give me the lgG, lgA, and lgM blood work?
    I can try.

    Janelle, you certainly have helped me. Especially the importance of these tests and the results. I see also, you have enlightened some others of this site. Hugs to you also.

    PS My Vitamin D level is perfect. I take Vitamin D3, 1000mg. Do you think I should take more mg? Did you see the news about coffee, and it's effect on cancer. I usally have 2 cups a day. Now I will have 3.

    Love Maggie
  • CountryGal7557
    CountryGal7557 Member Posts: 164 Member

    Janelle, now what do I do
    Dear Janelle,

    What wonderful news your LgG went from 711 to 794. 794 sounds good to me. I went over all the results of past blood tests, this is the first time I saw "Immunoglobulin, lgG, lgA, and lgM.
    I did mention in another post to you, my lgA was normal 224 - normal range 70 - 400.

    I have another thought. Perhaps, because my last 2 scans were negative for cancer, I never had
    the Immunoglobulin tests? But, this Monday no Pet Scan ordered, just the Immunoglobulin tests.

    Janelle, now what do I do? I did talk with my oncologist on the phone about the low numbers, and should I be concerned and come into her office sooner. She told me no, the low numbers
    were because of the Rituxan and would see me in Sept.

    Thanks for the advice. One way or another I will get another blood test in a month. I will be emailing my internist about getting blood work next month. Since this doctor was present in the room when I called my oncologist, not sure what he will say?? Or, I haven't had a pap
    test in about 5 years, I wonder will this doctor give me the lgG, lgA, and lgM blood work?
    I can try.

    Janelle, you certainly have helped me. Especially the importance of these tests and the results. I see also, you have enlightened some others of this site. Hugs to you also.

    PS My Vitamin D level is perfect. I take Vitamin D3, 1000mg. Do you think I should take more mg? Did you see the news about coffee, and it's effect on cancer. I usally have 2 cups a day. Now I will have 3.

    Love Maggie

    Love my morning Coffee
    Hi Maggie, I haven't heard the news about coffee, but I'm glad you said you're upping yours as I've already had 3 cups this morning!! =)

    Thank you for saying that I've helped! You've made my day! I think that is why we are all here on this journey, to help others!

    my woman's internist doctor said she has no problem ordering blood work for me whenever I want it. So if your doc is refusing, heck I'd find another doctor! also, she said she'd order it, but she couldn't 'read' or 'interpret' it. so don't be mad at your internist as they are not 'qualified' to read some blood work. I am lucky to have a daughter who is a pharmacist. she was home last weekend and went thru all my blood work results with me and helped me realize that the jumping up and down on the chart is minimal as I need to take into account the range of numbers on the graph. if they had put the full 'normal' range, then I realized how minimal my numbers were jumping up and down.

    ask your Oncologist to graph your IMM numbers from the day you started, but keep in mind the range that my pharmacist daughter mentioned. If I were you, definitely get bloodwork ordered in one month and then decide if you should request a PET scan. Remember, we are our own bodies advocate, not our Oncologist. my neighbor friend told me that line when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and just recently relapsed after 4.5 years cancer-free. His doctor suggested watch-n-wait, heck he calls back the next day and says, I want a Pet scan done. it was done. now he's researching, asking others what he's choices are, he's not just relying on the one opinion of his oncologist.

    if your vitamin D is perfect, I would not increase what you take. in fact, if you're getting sunshine now that it's here, =) I would guess your vitamin D will even get better. some people don't even take Vit D in the summer months as they're always out for a daily walk, gardening, etc. my daughter was upset with me that I increased my Vit D to 3,000 because mine was low. she said, remember it's the equvilent to Sunshine, so we need to be careful. so just keep an eye on it. I say my daughter was upset with me, but she actually is very good at being firm with me so I'll listen. ;)

    virtual hugs coming your way!
    Janelle =)
  • Michele23
    Michele23 Member Posts: 168

    Ferritan storage
    Hi Donna,

    Sounds like you are in good hands and have a good relationship with your Oncologist - which is so important, isn't it?! I fully trust my Oncologist also, and know he has my best interests at heart.

    What is the Ferritan storage? I'm sure our Oncologists are watching different bloodwork elements due to our personal symptoms. It's awesome to share our experiences, so we all become more informed to 'talk' the talk with our Oncologist.

    Knowledge is POWER!
    Hugs all around!
    Love
    Janelle

    Nope not on mine
    Looked again these are not on my reports.Interesting as in 17 yrs never heard of this.Thanks for sharing.John are you asking about Rituxan side effects.As you well know everyone reacts differently.Mine were almost nule compared to the chemos out there.I got very washed out tired,my counts were always good,no hair loss,I ate and drank what I wanted except the day of treatments.Pretty much life as usual.Don't ever recall getting really sick although they gave me meds so maybe they worked.Caring thoughts to all,Michele DX95 FNHL3
  • miss maggie
    miss maggie Member Posts: 929

    Love my morning Coffee
    Hi Maggie, I haven't heard the news about coffee, but I'm glad you said you're upping yours as I've already had 3 cups this morning!! =)

    Thank you for saying that I've helped! You've made my day! I think that is why we are all here on this journey, to help others!

    my woman's internist doctor said she has no problem ordering blood work for me whenever I want it. So if your doc is refusing, heck I'd find another doctor! also, she said she'd order it, but she couldn't 'read' or 'interpret' it. so don't be mad at your internist as they are not 'qualified' to read some blood work. I am lucky to have a daughter who is a pharmacist. she was home last weekend and went thru all my blood work results with me and helped me realize that the jumping up and down on the chart is minimal as I need to take into account the range of numbers on the graph. if they had put the full 'normal' range, then I realized how minimal my numbers were jumping up and down.

    ask your Oncologist to graph your IMM numbers from the day you started, but keep in mind the range that my pharmacist daughter mentioned. If I were you, definitely get bloodwork ordered in one month and then decide if you should request a PET scan. Remember, we are our own bodies advocate, not our Oncologist. my neighbor friend told me that line when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and just recently relapsed after 4.5 years cancer-free. His doctor suggested watch-n-wait, heck he calls back the next day and says, I want a Pet scan done. it was done. now he's researching, asking others what he's choices are, he's not just relying on the one opinion of his oncologist.

    if your vitamin D is perfect, I would not increase what you take. in fact, if you're getting sunshine now that it's here, =) I would guess your vitamin D will even get better. some people don't even take Vit D in the summer months as they're always out for a daily walk, gardening, etc. my daughter was upset with me that I increased my Vit D to 3,000 because mine was low. she said, remember it's the equvilent to Sunshine, so we need to be careful. so just keep an eye on it. I say my daughter was upset with me, but she actually is very good at being firm with me so I'll listen. ;)

    virtual hugs coming your way!
    Janelle =)

    Sweet Janelle
    Dear Janelle,

    Thank you again for all the information you posted. Your experiences with
    this monster cancer is very helpful to me. All though, I am sorry you ever
    had to have the cancer at all.

    I did email my doctor later afternoon yesterday, (internist) about the blood test in one month. I still haven't heard back. I will check his site to see if he read my email.

    As far as vitamin D. Would you believe I was tested for vitamin D right after
    the summer, and results were low for this vitamin. I belong to a beach club,
    and constantly in and out of the sun. Especially when I finish a swim, I always
    sit in the sun to warm up.

    I really don't have a gyn doctor at this time. My regular gyn doctor retired
    5 years ago. I haven't returned since. I thought a pet scan would show any
    abnormalites in my cervix, and uteris. My oncologist informed me, a pet scan
    only shows when the cancer has progressed. A pap test will pick up the least bit
    of cancer. I only hope the new gyn doctor will order the tests for me. I hate this test.

    I will ask my oncologist to graph my IMM numbers. I have a feeling I will be
    making an appointment before Sept.

    Hugs and prayers your way also. And to all Love Maggie
  • JoanieP
    JoanieP Member Posts: 573
    Maggie
    Hi
    I just think that regular Dr's just don't know or what to interpret some tests once we have had cancer. I would go with your oncologist. He knows and is the specialist. Focus on the fact they don't need to see you again until Sept. I would take it as a very good report:)
  • miss maggie
    miss maggie Member Posts: 929
    JoanieP said:

    Maggie
    Hi
    I just think that regular Dr's just don't know or what to interpret some tests once we have had cancer. I would go with your oncologist. He knows and is the specialist. Focus on the fact they don't need to see you again until Sept. I would take it as a very good report:)

    Joanie and Janelle
    Dear Joanie and Janelle,

    I received a reply from my internist. Let me see if I can paste it: Dr. Friedman is
    my oncologist.

    InboxSentDraftsArchiveActions Archive this MessageView Print VersionMessage History Message Details

    From Jonathan Greenberg, MD (my doctor) I trust him, been with him over 20 years
    Patient: Maggie
    Sent Date May 18, 2011 8:23 PM
    Subject RE: Blood Tests
    Message Dr Friedman said that those tests may remain low permanently after Rituxan. You should make an appointment to see her and discuss this.
    Message Thread Show

    I also have family members in the medical field. We will be having a Memorial Day get
    together. I just found out my niece who is a RN nurse just had uterine cancer, since
    it was caught early she is fine. My other family member works for Mass. General Hospital,
    and I know she will research my question with the Lymphoma doctors.

    I did speak with my oncologist after the second blood test report came in. Still she said, come in to see me in Sept.

    If I still feel insecure, I will certainly make an appointment after the Memorial Day holiday
    with the oncologist. Perhaps she can tell me how to raise the numbers more to a normal range.

    I am posting all this, perhaps to help others with the same results as I. I will certainly
    keep everyone abreast how things go.

    Joanie, thanks for your positive response. Hello Janelle. Love Maggie
  • CountryGal7557
    CountryGal7557 Member Posts: 164 Member

    Joanie and Janelle
    Dear Joanie and Janelle,

    I received a reply from my internist. Let me see if I can paste it: Dr. Friedman is
    my oncologist.

    InboxSentDraftsArchiveActions Archive this MessageView Print VersionMessage History Message Details

    From Jonathan Greenberg, MD (my doctor) I trust him, been with him over 20 years
    Patient: Maggie
    Sent Date May 18, 2011 8:23 PM
    Subject RE: Blood Tests
    Message Dr Friedman said that those tests may remain low permanently after Rituxan. You should make an appointment to see her and discuss this.
    Message Thread Show

    I also have family members in the medical field. We will be having a Memorial Day get
    together. I just found out my niece who is a RN nurse just had uterine cancer, since
    it was caught early she is fine. My other family member works for Mass. General Hospital,
    and I know she will research my question with the Lymphoma doctors.

    I did speak with my oncologist after the second blood test report came in. Still she said, come in to see me in Sept.

    If I still feel insecure, I will certainly make an appointment after the Memorial Day holiday
    with the oncologist. Perhaps she can tell me how to raise the numbers more to a normal range.

    I am posting all this, perhaps to help others with the same results as I. I will certainly
    keep everyone abreast how things go.

    Joanie, thanks for your positive response. Hello Janelle. Love Maggie

    I'm too new at this
    Hi Joanie & Maggie,
    I'm too new at this as I don't have the history to know & trust what is a good report when the numbers drop. Because I had another blood draw, I now can feel comfortable and not worry till my apt in August.

    I was just advising how I handled my situation so that I could enjoy my summer & not worry.

    We're taking a mini-vacation this weekend. I LOVE roadtrips with my husband!!

    Hugs to all and I hope everyone enjoys the summer!
    Janelle
  • miss maggie
    miss maggie Member Posts: 929

    I'm too new at this
    Hi Joanie & Maggie,
    I'm too new at this as I don't have the history to know & trust what is a good report when the numbers drop. Because I had another blood draw, I now can feel comfortable and not worry till my apt in August.

    I was just advising how I handled my situation so that I could enjoy my summer & not worry.

    We're taking a mini-vacation this weekend. I LOVE roadtrips with my husband!!

    Hugs to all and I hope everyone enjoys the summer!
    Janelle

    Janelle
    Dear Janelle,

    YOu will notice when I post, I am looking for all opinions. Regardless, if
    you agree or disagree. I am still not sure where I will go. Right now, I
    am so busy, I haven't the time to do some more research on the doctor's
    opinion. I have yet to pass my info to some of my family members in the
    health care industry. I feel I have time, after all as you said one month,
    I have yet to reach one month.

    Please, please let me know your thoughts. GIVE IT TO ME STRAIGHT. Hugs to you also.

    Love Maggie