Labs every week?

[way]

Hello everyone!

I just had blood work Monday and a Doctor visit Friday.
He ordered a 4 week PCR at my request for next Friday and my next lab appt (I'm assuming for to check blood count) is not until the 21st. Then another Doctor visit on the 28th. This is week 4 of TX.

My question is, -- Do most of you get weekly labs, or is that just if your are already anemic and being treated--or do most get labs once a month or what?

Should I be asking the doctor (or rather nurse, as she is the one who comes back in the room with my appts) what specifically what each lab appt will check?

I'm concerned because someone a few weeks ago someone said labs (bloodcount) should be once a week I think...

My Doctor has rolled his eyes at me more than once--and since I've only seen him three times and this is so early in treatment I don't exactly trust him to not just give me the minimum of what is expected. Especially when I have all of you here to advise me what is the norm. I keep expecting him to ask me where I'm getting my info but hasn't so far.

[sfbaygirl]

In the beginning I had labs (a standing order) for every two weeks. Then I got that dreaded anemia and started once a week CBC's. I then had a low ANC so I recieved another shot for that. Now I read my own labs once a week and if there is a problem, I call the Dr. for the shots. It works well for me.

I think 3-4 weeks in between CBC's is not a good idea at first. I can see it if you are in later months and know you aren't getting low blood counts. I think you should have one at least every other week, but that's my opinion. I am NO doctor.

[jmjm530]

Based on my doctor's protocol, I suggested weekly blood counts until hemoglobin stabilizes, or in other instances when close monitoring might be helpful such as changes in riba, procrit, neupogen, etc. This is not to say that every doctor does this. Testing frequency seems all over the place from what I read here. BTW doctors often "roll their eyes" when patients make suggestions. Must be taught in med school.

[way]

Thanks -- I guess twice a month is cool until I develop some problem that would warrant closer checking.

[Kalio1]

I think the most common timing of labs is checking once a month. IF your numbers start to drop or fall out of normal ranges or some other problem develops that requires more monitoring, then the doctor will monitor more closely. Don't be suprised if he checks just once a month if things look good. I am sure some test more frequently, but many check once a month.

[goldyn]

when i first started it was every week for the first 4 weeks my white cells went very fast so he did every week for the first 2 months and now i take one once a month im on 30/48...im glad you get a 4 week pcr...

[sfbaygirl]

The reason I say to check at least every two weeks in the beginning is so that you aren't feeling horrible after week 1 or 2 and have to wait another 2 weeks for a CBC. If I had done mine every week to begin with I would have caught the anemia before it hit me like a mac truck! I quess that is why I am so diligent about it now.

I think Goldyn's plan sounds good. After 4 weeks many of us know if our blood counts are hitting the floor. Therefore once a week at the beginning sounds like a good plan. Then when the blood stablizes a bit, do it less. Whineeeeee My blood hasn't stablized and I am at week 12!

[Kalio1]

I think checking more often is great, however your insurance company and/or doctor might have other ideas. Call your ins company and see how often they wil pay for the blood tests. If it is once a week the great.My BC/BS policy says evry 30 days "unless otherwide needed" which means unless there is an issue. I'd try to check once a week in the beginning, then if things look nice and stable you can check it less.

[amirtracy]

I had weekly's for the first 4 and was supposed to go to monthly's at that point but get sent every 2 weeks now and then just for the CBC to monitor my Hemoglobin. Complete labs are monthly for me. I get pcr's at 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 48 weeks, and then post tx. Wanted a 4 week pcr but dr. said no since i was geno 1b. treating 48 no matter what was his opinion. good luck.