Wonky labs

Double Whammy · July 2012

I see my MO Tuesday morning. Had my labs last week and got the results online. Nothing that says OMG, rather WTH? I'm not really worried about anything cancer related, just wondering how to react if she says let's just watch these or they're nothing to worry about or if I'll freak if she wants to investigate more. These are the wonky parts:

Mean platelet volume - very slightly elevated (.5 over high normal). All other platelet related numbers are normal. It was also elevated 4 months ago and the NP said it wasn't anything to be concerned about because the other values were fine and it was so minimal. I was fine with that and expected it to be normal this time, but it's the same - which again, is minimal.

Carbon dioxide - A teeny bit low (1 lower than low normal). This one worries me a bit because I've had hypertension for 20 years and have been on meds for 20 years. But all other values are perfectly fine.

Vitamin D - it's low again. I'm not worried about that one. I knew we'd be watching this and this is not unexpected and will be dealt with. I do take 2000 IU of Vitamin D daily, but the stupid Arimidex . . . Today I plunked myself in the middle of my swimming pool and soaked up some sun! I'm sure that will fix everything.

Any feedback? I'm just used to getting all good grades (except when I was on chemo).

Suzanne

camul · July 2012

Hi Suzanne
That doesn't sound much lower than an A-. (lol) I have been on 50,000 IU's of vitamin D for about 4 years now. I take it every Thursday, and my levels are still on the low side. Just above the low normal, but it is better in the summer so soaking up the rays in the pool seems like a wonderful way of getting up the levels!

My onco is watching for my platelets to be low not high. My sons are in the 900's which is about 500+ over normal and that they watch closely as he has ET, a blood disorder, which is an abnormal production of platelets, and when it hits 1000, again (which is really a million), then he will be looking at a bone marrow transplant, which he is refusing at this time. They are watching to make sure it does not go into Leukemia.

I didn't even know that they checked for carbon dioxide... shows how much I know.

Sounds like you are pretty healthy now, am curious to see what the onco grades you! Have you started your training for stage iv?

Enjoy soaking up your Vitamin D, it is so hot and humid here that a dip in the pool would be wonderful! There is a pool here, but when I went over to use it the other day, it seemed like there were a hundred little kids in it! Love the kids, but not the noise level!

Carol

CypressCynthia · July 2012

Hope this helps
Suzanne,
Your carbon dioxide level may be just a reflection of mild anxiety as any increase in breathing can cause this. Even though we aren't consciously aware of it, our breathing can increase if we are at all nervous. And, of course, we are nervous having tests done!

I don't know how low your vitamin D is but I think it is very important to run it by an endocrinologist. I was out in the Deep South sun every day gardening and my level was very low. Your level needs to be just right--not too low or too high. This is something that really needs to be followed.

With your MPV being so very slightly elevated, it may just be your normal. Labs spit out normal ranges and if a value is a little out of whack it does not necessarily mean a thing. I would just keep an eye on it.

My WBC level has been low all of my life. I don't worry about it anymore--it's just me :-)

AngieD · July 2012

CypressCynthia said:
Hope this helps
Suzanne,
Your carbon dioxide level may be just a reflection of mild anxiety as any increase in breathing can cause this. Even though we aren't consciously aware of it, our breathing can increase if we are at all nervous. And, of course, we are nervous having tests done!

I don't know how low your vitamin D is but I think it is very important to run it by an endocrinologist. I was out in the Deep South sun every day gardening and my level was very low. Your level needs to be just right--not too low or too high. This is something that really needs to be followed.

With your MPV being so very slightly elevated, it may just be your normal. Labs spit out normal ranges and if a value is a little out of whack it does not necessarily mean a thing. I would just keep an eye on it.

My WBC level has been low all of my life. I don't worry about it anymore--it's just me :-)

No worries!
Suzanne, I'd say you're practically perfect. The platelets and CO2 are so close to normal to be of no concern. And you'll be dealing with the Vitamin D. I've read that keeping Vit D levels up is thought to be good for preventing recurrence.

Angie

Double Whammy · July 2012

AngieD said:
No worries!
Suzanne, I'd say you're practically perfect. The platelets and CO2 are so close to normal to be of no concern. And you'll be dealing with the Vitamin D. I've read that keeping Vit D levels up is thought to be good for preventing recurrence.

Angie

Thank you!
I just had to put this out there for your wise feedback - because you understand. I'm sure my appointment will be simply routine and we'll chat about everything but health concerns. I'm perfectly content having an A-.
Suzanne

Bella Luna · July 2012

Keep Going!
About Vitamin D, my dosage was increased to 5,000 IU last year. Just wondering, has your doctor checked your level to see if you are getting enough vitamin D? I know once mine was increased, I no longer looked pale and my joints didn't hurt as much. What a difference a boost can do to the body.

Suzanne... you make the grade, no matter what! Keep going, your doing great!

Wonky labs

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