Recent PET Scan Recommendation After Abnormal Blood Results - Navigating Post-Cancer Health
Greetings, everyone... I find myself feeling anxious as my oncologist hasn't provided much clarity regarding my recent health status. I'm striving to understand the latest findings, yet I aim to resist the urge to obsessively search for answers online, as the intricate workings of the body are often beyond my grasp. The fear is setting in as I mentally brace myself for the possibility that additional health issues may be arising. I’m sharing my situation here, hoping that perhaps a healthcare professional might offer insights that could resonate. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast, classified as stage 2b, on October 23rd. Following that, I underwent a double mastectomy on January 24th, during which five lymph nodes were excised, one of which was confirmed to have cancerous cells. In March, I completed 28 sessions of radiation therapy. However, since then, both my platelet and lymphocyte counts have significantly dropped and have remained at low levels. Just last week, follow-up tests showed troubling results: my iron levels were elevated (measuring 218 ug/dL with a 65% saturation), and there were abnormalities noted with atypical lymphocytes, the presence of ovalocytes at +1, a few clusters of platelets, and unusually large platelets. In light of this, my oncologist has unexpectedly requested a PET scan on an urgent basis. For the next few weeks, I’m attempting to keep my worries in check until the scan is conducted. It would be beneficial to have a clearer perspective on how concerning these findings truly are, rather than letting my anxiety dictate my thoughts. Any advice or thoughts from the community would be greatly welcomed. Thank you for taking the time to read my message.
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 2:50:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious after receiving abnormal blood results, especially in the context of your cancer history. The findings you've shared suggest that your oncologist is being proactive by recommending a PET scan, which is a common next step to gather more information about your health status.
Explanation of Your Findings:
-
Low Platelet and Lymphocyte Counts: These could indicate various issues, including potential complications from treatment or another underlying condition. It's a common practice to monitor these counts closely post-cancer treatment.
-
Elevated Iron Levels: High iron levels can have several causes, including inflammation or liver issues, but in your context, it’s essential to consider how this interacts with your recent treatments.
-
Abnormalities in Blood Tests: Atypical lymphocytes and variations in platelets can be situations that require further exploration, which likely led to the recommendation for a PET scan.
The PET scan will help your oncologist determine if there are any areas of concern in your body that need further investigation. It’s a tool to check for any signs of cancer activity or other abnormalities that might explain your blood results.
Immediate Next Steps You Can Take:
-
Prepare for Your PET Scan:
- Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare team regarding diet or medications before the scan.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep track of any new symptoms you may experience, such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or additional changes in your health.
-
Stay Connected with Your Healthcare Team:
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to your oncologist’s office with any questions or concerns you might have in the meantime. They can provide support and reassurance as you await your appointment.
-
Manage Anxiety:
- Consider practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or gentle exercise to help manage your anxiety as you wait for further information.
-
Seek Support:
- Talking to a mental health professional or joining a support group for cancer patients can provide emotional support tailored to your experience.
Your feelings are valid, and it's okay to seek reassurance during such a challenging time. Remember, the focus is on gathering as much information as possible to address your health comprehensively. Please give yourself grace as you navigate this process.
Related Questions
Experiencing Dizziness with Phone Use and Motion Sickness
At 22 years old, I stand at 5'8" and weigh 148 pounds. I’m currently prescribed venlafaxine and Paxil, which I have been taking together for several years to help manage my PTSD symptoms. My nutrition is well-rounded, and I typically engage in about an hour of walking daily. Stress levels are currently low due to a slow work pace, and I maintain a high water intake, seldom consuming alcohol or marijuana. Yesterday, I embarked on a brief car journey and unexpectedly started feeling nauseous, which is quite out of the ordinary for me. I attempted to check my navigation on my phone, and suddenly, my queasiness intensified. Once I returned home, I studied on my laptop without any issues, prepared meals, tidied up, and felt like everything had returned to normal. However, during my commute to work today, I again began to experience motion sickness. Since this morning, whenever I briefly use my phone, I’ve been hit with dizziness and a sensation of disconnection from reality. My phone interactions have been minimal—just opening Spotify to switch playlists and replying to a quick message from my boss. This whole situation has me puzzled, as I've never encountered such symptoms before.
Concerning Fluctuations in Health Measurements
Age: 37, Weight: 45 kg, Height: 171 cm Former smoker; currently uses vaping devices. **Existing health issues:** - Osteoporosis - Hiatus hernia - Chronic neutropenia - Lymphopenia - Peripheral neuropathy **Current medications:** - Concerta 36 mg, taken twice daily - Lorazepam 1 mg, as needed (up to twice daily) Over the last two weeks, I've experienced a decline in my overall well-being, but I’ve been feeling unwell for about two years without any clear diagnosis. I haven't undergone any medical evaluations or routine check-ups in the last year. Recently, my Apple Watch has been recording abnormal data that I find concerning. I believe the condition I may be experiencing is referred to as tachy-brady syndrome, although I am not entirely sure. My respiratory rates have shown unusual fluctuations, something I have not encountered before. Notably, I've recorded three significant spikes in my readings: - June 28th, from 15:00 to 17:00: a shift from 25.5 bpm to 7.5 bpm - July 6th, from 05:00 to 12:00: a drop from 22.5 bpm to 8 bpm - July 9th, from 03:00 to 05:00: a change from 28 bpm to 8.5 bpm Additionally, my heart rate has followed a similar pattern, varying significantly and frequently throughout the day, often fluctuating from 40 or 50 bpm up to 110 or 130 bpm within the same hour. I have also noticed that my heart rate variability (HRV) sometimes dips into single digits, occasionally as low as 5 ms. For the past two years, I have battled with symptoms, including sudden jolts of breath followed by moments of hearing loss accompanied by ringing. There are stabbing pains in my legs, and my body often feels heavy. Fatigue has rendered me nearly bedbound over the past year, making it difficult to stand or move without feeling excessively tired. I also experience sharp, stitch-like chest pains that seem to come and go. In the last week, my appetite has diminished significantly, and I sometimes feel dizzy, whether I'm standing or lying down. I’m questioning the seriousness of these symptoms and whether they warrant concern, as my previous medical exams have not indicated any issues. It’s perplexing to consider whether I might be overreacting, or how reliable the data from my Apple Watch is. However, these readings are new for me, and they correlate with my worsening condition. I understand that anyone online can't provide medical advice and that consulting a healthcare professional is the best course of action. Yet, I’m left wondering just how troubling this situation is. After feeling unwell for such an extended time without a clear diagnosis, I feel lost on how to assess my health status effectively.
Concerns After Bravo pH Monitoring Procedure
Hello, I underwent a Bravo pH monitoring procedure yesterday, where a probe was inserted into my esophagus. Since that time, swallowing has been excruciating, causing intense chest pain rated at 9 out of 10. This discomfort has made eating nearly impossible, as I find myself doubling over in agony each time I attempt to eat. The physician who conducted the procedure mentioned that most patients typically experience little to no discomfort. Should I be worried about this level of pain? When I’m not consuming food, there’s a mild discomfort at the probe site, which I would rate as a 2 out of 10 in terms of pain. I had a clear upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the Bravo test is being conducted to investigate suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). It’s worth noting that I have never experienced traditional heartburn. Thank you for any advice. I am a male, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, with no current medication.
Concerns About Lumps in My Armpit After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
Hello everyone, I wanted to share an update and seek some insights. Six months ago, I discovered a small lump in the upper area of my armpit. Initially, I didn’t give it much thought, but in the past month, it has become more noticeable and firm, and now I feel a second lump emerging close by. The lump is approximately the size of a quarter, firm to the touch, but not sore or painful. I have an ultrasound appointment scheduled for Monday, and I’m feeling quite anxious about it. At 30 years old and a mother of two, my experience with thyroid cancer, which I was diagnosed with in July 2024, has made me particularly alert to any new lumps or bumps. After undergoing a total thyroidectomy and neck dissection on October 1, 2024, where 35 lymph nodes were removed (15 of which were cancerous), I had radioactive iodine therapy in February; the bump was noticeable even before that treatment. I’m currently on Unithroid for thyroid hormone replacement. I would really appreciate any thoughts or advice on this situation. Thank you!
Sore Throat and Voice Loss After Sleep Deprivation
Age: 26 Male Recently, I returned from an extensive trip where I endured approximately 36 hours without sleep. It all began the night before my departure when I went out, and from that point on, I struggled to catch any rest on the flights or during my layovers. Now that I've been home for five days, I have experienced persistent soreness in my throat, and a couple of days ago, I completely lost my voice. Fortunately, these are the only symptoms I’ve encountered; I haven’t had a fever or severe congestion, which has been a relief. I suspect this might be laryngitis, but I’m uncertain about when it would be necessary to seek medical attention. Should I consult a physician now, or is it advisable to simply monitor the situation for a bit longer? It's worth mentioning that since my return, my sleep routine has mostly stabilized. Although I woke up several times over the last couple of nights due to throat pain, I’ve still managed to accumulate over seven hours of sleep each night. Furthermore, I’ve been diligently hydrating during this period.