figuring out labs prior to tx

[orphanedhawk]

I used to think I was smart but I don

[Lady E]

Hi. My platelets have gone down to 51 and seem to be bouncing back a little...at 62 now. And that would be the "platelet count".
As mentioned before, my dr. doesn't get excited unless it goes below 30. I don't know about the mean platelet value. I don't have that on my reports. Maybe someone else will chime in with info regarding that.

BTW, I know that you grow beets. Someone here told me that beets are good for helping low platelets. They mentioned BBQ-ing them. Might want to try them. :)
Be well.
-E

[GrandOak]

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cbc/glance.html

[sfbaygirl]

Those seem a bit odd. The hemoglobin (hgb) seems hign by my labs values. You will want to watch the ANC absolute neutifil count for the white blood count- if it goes too low you may need Neupogen. Your platelets look low, I think normal is over 130? But since your labs were done in Bangkok, they may not be IU. The ALT/AST looks right.... I would try to get a CBC within the first few weeks, that is usually when the HGB goes down.

[orphanedhawk]

I think they gave me a more complete lab test than I needed. Yes, my platelets and wbc are low.   My test has two hemoglobin results, onejust says hemoglobin, 13.7.   The other says mean cell hemoglobin, 33.7, which is high.  But I feel like Lou Costello in Whos on First, I dunno what I'm talking about!
    Lady E, thanks for the tip. I do have a garden but I buy my organic beets. They last well and are too easy to find, to bother taking up garden space. My garden is full of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages and onions. My cold frame is spilling out greens.
   I really don't think I'm going to have major problems during tx but I want to know what to be aware of.  Thanks.

[sfbaygirl]

The Hgb at 13.7 looks about right! Your WBC looks fine, it is the ANC you really need to look at. A month after beginning tx seems like a long time to wait for a CBC.

[orphanedhawk]

If a month seems too long, how long seems right?  My doctor is so booked and I waffle between being glad he lets me do things'my way", and wishing I had more guidance. I guess thats where the forum fills in.

[sfbaygirl]

A standing order for labs once a week is what I have for a year. It makes it easier for you and the doc. That way you just go to the lab and get the CBC when convienent. Hgb goes down quickly when you begin tx, so at least within the first two weeks...