Haematology & Oncology

[horseshoes]

I have a hospital appointment in an hour with a haematologist. I just looked up the doctor I'm seeing , and I'm now terrified as he is a haematologist in the Oncology department. I have high (and getting higher platelets). I'm absolutely petrified of what he's going to tell me! Cancer was not on my mind! I had lots of blood tests done lately.Would I be seeing a doctor in an oncology department for any other reason?

[Sqad]

No big deal horseshoes....Haematology includes ALL aspects of blood disorders not just cancer which would be a small part of his overall work.

There are no haematologists who just do Oncological haematology.

Settle down.

[LazyGun]

@Horseshoes - I think you need to relax a little, horseshoes :)

You have a high platelet count, or thrombocytosis, which needs investigation. The reasons for the high platelet count are as yet unclear, which is why you have an appointment with a haematologist, a consultant who specialises in blood and blood related disorders.

Haematology and Oncology are often linked, because haematologists are often involved in the treatment of various cancers. Seeing a haematologist in the oncology department does not automatically mean cancer.

See what the Haematologist has to say - there are many varied causes for a high platelet count....

[horseshoes]

Hi again. I'm back... and it's a disorder with my bone-marrow. I now have to go for a procedure to take a sample of my bone-marrow which will then dictate if I am to have further medication (I already take aspirin daily). I ALMOST kissed him!

[LazyGun]

Hi Horseshoes - Pleased to see that you seem somewhat reassured following your appointment. Good luck with your ongoing investigations and treatment ;)

[horseshoes]

Thanks LazyGun. I know the procedure is going to hurt, but I do feel reassured that whatever it is I've got, believe some over-activity in the bone marrow, is going to be manageable and won't kill me!

[abstibus]

Big hug, horseshoes xxx

[LazyGun]

Given your condition, a bone marrow biopsy makes sense. It can help in the differential diagnosis of the most likely cause of your thrombocytosis, and then treat appropriately.

Bone Marrow Biopsy is not the most pleasant experience, but it is usually over pretty quickly. Site of the biopsy is mostly the posterior iliac crest, the wing of the ilium in the pelvic girdle, although some consultants still prefer to sample from the sternum - given a choice, I personally would opt for the posterior iliac crest :)

[horseshoes]

Thanks annemollie:-)

LazyGun, Yes - that's the way he's going in - I did ask him. I could have had it done this afternoon but it was all a bit sudden. I am a bit of a wimp I'm afraid. Do you work in this field and in what capacity. You are very knowlegable about my condition.

[LazyGun]

I have worked within Pathology laboratories for many years, Horseshoes, as a senior biomedical scientist specialising in Transfusion Science and Haematology. i have switched my focus in recent years, and spend more time on Immunology :)

[horseshoes]

Ah.... thank you.

[Robinia]

Don't worry about the bone marrow biopsy horseshoes, as Lazygun says it's a bit uncomfortable but soon over. I assume you'll lie on your side and my tip is when you feel pressure don't do as I did the first time and move away from it, just stay rigid and very still.
Good luck.

[horseshoes]

Thanks Robinia. I'll remember that.