Need an urgent Diagnosis

[zing]

My father had a mild fever and some vomitting (with a little blood) yesterday, so he went to see a doctor. The doc ordered a blood test. The test showed that my dad had 60,000 white blood cells. What does this mean? Does he have leukemia? He's only 45 years old. I'm totally freaking out here, so please help out. We cannot take him to a hematologist today because it's Sunday, and I just don't know what to do. Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks.

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[criminallyinane]

My father had a mild fever and some vomitting (with a little blood) yesterday, so he went to see a doctor. The doc ordered a blood test. The test showed that my dad had 60,000 white blood cells. What does this mean? Does he have leukemia? He's only 45 years old. I'm totally freaking out here, so please help out. We cannot take him to a hematologist today because it's Sunday, and I just don't know what to do. Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks.

Unfortunately, you shoudn't seek medical advice on this website. Try to put your mind at ease for now and research his lab values/symptoms on the internet if you must, but it would be irresponsible of any medical student (or physician) on this website to tell you whether your father has leukemia or not based on incomplete information.

 

[idq1i]

My father had a mild fever and some vomitting (with a little blood) yesterday, so he went to see a doctor. The doc ordered a blood test. The test showed that my dad had 60,000 white blood cells. What does this mean? Does he have leukemia? He's only 45 years old. I'm totally freaking out here, so please help out. We cannot take him to a hematologist today because it's Sunday, and I just don't know what to do. Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks.

No one here could (in their right mind) give you a diagnosis. One would have to look at a smear of the cells (-blasts vs. -cytes, myelo vs. lympho, chromatin pattern, immuno staining).

It could be as benign as a leukemoid rxn

 

[Paws]

I'll make a recommendation: go to the best emergency room in your area (preferably with a decent onc/hemo department) and tell them what's going on. At least then, since it's Sunday, you still have some medical help and you can get things going. We are just anonymous medical students - we can't really say what's going on.

Otherwise, just sit tight until Tuesday when you can go to a hem during regular office hours.

 

[SocialistMD]

I'll make a recommendation: go to the best emergency room in your area (preferably with a decent onc/hemo department) and tell them what's going on. At least then, since it's Sunday, you still have some medical help and you can get things going.

While I can sympathize with the original poster, I can't believe you just said this. You are advocating an abuse of the system that we all complain about day in and day out.

To zing: I know you are anxious and with good reason. However, worst case scenario he begins treatment for cancer in two days. I don't think that delay will make too much of a difference in his prognosis. There are a number of medical conditions that can cause an elevated white count and fever/vomiting. If your father wasn't admitted to the hospital for his fever and vomiting after the test results, your physician feels he is safe at home until he can be seen in an outpatient setting. If his condition worsens, by all means take him to the emergency department. However, don't do it simply because you want to know now because it won't speed the process my any meaningful amount.

 

[Paws]

While I can sympathize with the original poster, I can't believe you just said this. You are advocating an abuse of the system that we all complain about day in and day out.

Ok, I admit it was sort of a dumb thing to say. I would probably just wait until Tuesday myself.

 

[SlowToLearn]

As the other posters have stated already, unless your dad is acutely ill, your dad should wait until Tuesday to be seen at his PMD. Yeah, a WBC of 60K is high...and as one other person stated, the differential is important (blasts, segs, bands, etc.). More important is the whole history...how long has he had this low grade fever, sick contacts, vomiting start off as "normal"? how much blood...and did this develop after several episodes of emesis? any significant weight loss in a short span of time? increased brusing and/or bone pain? As one of my mentors has taught me, the history is 80% of the diagnosis, 10% physical exam, & 10% tests. Zing, I hope for the best for both you and your father...take care.

-Slow
MCW Class of 2006

 

[Psycho Doctor]

My father had a mild fever and some vomitting (with a little blood) yesterday, so he went to see a doctor. The doc ordered a blood test. The test showed that my dad had 60,000 white blood cells. What does this mean? Does he have leukemia? He's only 45 years old. I'm totally freaking out here, so please help out. We cannot take him to a hematologist today because it's Sunday, and I just don't know what to do. Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks.

so sorry to hear about your dad. does he have any pain? does he still have his appendix? any infection would translate to a high WBC, but that does seem extremely high. Pathology review would definitely be indicated to properly diagnose leukemia. I know it's rough but try to hang in there. If he takes a turn for the worse, go to an emergency room.