Re: I could use some help understanding white blood cell tests?
The white blood cells are tested and they look for 2 things.
1. the total amount of white blood cells - this is done in micoliters and that is what the 4050 is. The 2.8 number is in cm (3) - centimeters cubed.
2. They also do a differential which is how many of the 5 types of white blood cells is present in as far as white blood cells are concerned, 70% are neutrophils, 2 % are basophils etc.
So what concerns the doctors when our count is low is that 70% are neutrophils so they are the lowest because they are the biggest component.
I hoped this helped alittle bit as it is confusing and they can report the # different ways. I guess the bottom line is that low is low.
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Kind regards
Becky
Found lump via BSE
Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45
1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side)
2 micromets to sentinel node
Stage 2A
left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg
lumpectomies 9/7/04
4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol
Used Leukine instead of Neulasta
35 rads on right side only
4/05 started Tamoxifen
Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to
trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations
Oophorectomy 8/05
Started Arimidex 9/05
Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06
Arimidex Only
Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia
NED 18 years!
Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"
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