The power of words

[Juls]

The strange thing is that they don't sugar coat it when initially diagnosed but don't tell you about other things ( in case you worry)! In the scale of things am I really going to worry about a liver cyst that's probably been there all my life! Mind you I could have had symptoms that were connected, if anybody had asked!
Blood tests here - don't include liver enzymes.
Traci - like you I would like to know how they decided on diagnosis etc.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Liver enzymes are included in: BUN, TOTAL PROTEIN, ALBUMIN, ALK. PHOS. ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), TOTAL BILIRUBIN.

I go line by line and check the nornal range for each. If I am just a little high or just a little low, I check my last blood work and compare.

I've discovered that my BUN is always slightly high. It's my norm. All my other #s tend to be pretty much the same within the normal range. If I note a variation I question it. Draw the docs attention to it next time we meet.

The reference range is great. They also tag H or L beside #s that are out of normal range, indicating high or low, to view at a glance.

Long ago, they didn't provide the reference range at the lab my doc used but nowadays, they are there.

I ask questions. I google. I compare the last blood work and the one before that and so on.

My thyroid #s are always on the low side but within normal range. Very low yet normal. One endocrinologist wanted to do more tests, ultrasound and biopsy. She looked panicky. Acted overly concerned.

I calmed her. I said, if you check those indicators through the yrs, I am always right there. It's my norm. I left that endocrinologist and found another.

Once they know you've had cancer, the rest of your life, every little thing is questioned and with alarm. I try to remain the calm one.

I DO NOT HAVE CANCER, I say slow and steady and with a smile. They stare at me. I don't care.

NO MORE CANCER.

Yup. I'm a crazy lady. ))