1st appointment with consultant - Leukaemia CARE

Leukaemia CARE

1,273 members801 posts

1st appointment with consultant

rebecca2727 profile image
5 Replies

hi mum has suspected lukemia she had her 1st consultant app next week , can any one give me a insight in to what the tests she will have to have are ? we are all very scared thanks x

Written by
rebecca2727 profile image
rebecca2727
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
5 Replies
2003UK profile image
2003UKChampion

Hi Rebecca, I bet you are all very scared and anxious, don't forget I expect you will all be in complete shock. As to tests I think that will depend on the symptoms she might have and how she was diagnosed. Others might be of more help on that. What I would say is the Leukaemia Care website has very good information and support. Their support line is open Mon - Fri, 9.00 - 5.30 on 08088 010 444 or on email at support@leukaemiacare.org.uk. What I realise is useful is to take a list of questions you want to ask, including your fears and take notes of what is said to you. Even better someone being there with your mum to support her and to take notes for your mum, but it has to be her choice. I know this is easy to say, but take care of yourselves.

lankisterguy profile image
lankisterguy

Hi rebecca2727,

We all understand your shock and being scared, as many of us have required one year or more to understand and deal with those emotions.

To answer your question about testing, it is very likely that your mum will have blood drawn for a FLOW test and others listed here:

lls.org/managing-your-cance...

Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry analyzes your blood or bone marrow cells to determine whether a high white cell count is the result of blood cancer. The test identifies cells as they flow through an instrument called a flow cytometer. Flow cytometry measures the number and percentage of cells in a blood sample and cell characteristics such as size, shape and the presence of biomarkers on the cell surface. This method helps to subclassify cell types so your doctor can decide on the best treatment plan. Flow cytometry can also detect residual levels of disease after treatment. This helps your doctor identify disease relapse and restart treatment as needed.

The results of that test and others will help the consultant determine which of the over 60 types of Leukaemias or Lymphomas your mum has, and whether prompt treatment or a long waiting period before treatment is appropriate for her.

You should follow the suggestion by 2003UK and contact Leukaemia Care folks for help and advice.

Len

Lovinglife11 profile image
Lovinglife11

Hi Rebecca,

Going on my own experience of my first appointment I had a lumbar puncture which sounds really scary and painful but to be honest I was really scared but although it was uncomfortable it wasn’t really painful and over fairly quickly! It is a very scary time but put your trust and faith in the medical team as in my experience they are amazing. I hope your mums appointment goes well and remember that was just my experience and not every one has the same and 7 years later I’m still here to tell the tale!

rebecca2727 profile image
rebecca2727

pleased you have done well with your treatment are you uk based thanks beki

Lovinglife11 profile image
Lovinglife11 in reply to rebecca2727

Yes I’m in the UK, I was 52 when I was diagnosed. hope your mum is ok x

You may also like...

1st clinical appointment,what should I ask?

mother to join me but she has health problems of her own so I am reluctant to drag her 100 miles...

Post stem cell transplant vaccinations

post transplant (AML). I am due to have my childhood vaccines next week. Just worried about...

HCL and feeling unwell

Hi - I had chemo for HCL just over 5 years ago but this winter have been feeling run down again. I'm

Low White Blood Cells

chemo. His WBC has really dropped alot to 2.66. Do you have any suggestions as to what we can do...

Symptoms prior to diagnosis

diagnosis, and what sorts of things were showing up in blood tests? I am already consulting with my...