Hi Tami,

It was just the bruise (about the size of a nickel, very dark and didn't hurt) that prompted me to go for bloodwork.  I had a standing order at the local lab so I could go at any time.  It had been 3 weeks since my previous cbc (my dr wanted me to go at least once per month).  I think I went more to make myself feel better and get rid of the anxiety of the bruise.  After going to the lab I went to work, took off my jacket and found blood had saturated the gauze and was running down my arm.  After seeing that, I knew something was terribly wrong.  My INR came back at 2, my wbc at 1.8 but absolutely everything else was normal.  It was just a week before my very last 15 days of ATRA was to start and I felt great.  This came as a total surprise for me.  I wasn't tired, no aches or pains and I generally felt really well with more energy than I'd had in a long, long time.  Initially my doctors thought it wasn't a relapse but the bmb a week later proved it was.

I completely understand your anxiety.  But remember that there are many things that can cause your symptoms and just because I relapsed, it doesn't mean that you will relapse.  Anxiety alone can cause symptoms.

Take care, Lisa P  

Hi there; I don't go on these boards too often, and usually only respond about the APL'ers.  Joan; I am so very sorry to hear about Susan.  What a difficult thing for you and your family. 

Tami; I hope you have continued good health.  And Lisa, MomJ & Ayame; good to "see" you again and hope you are all doing very well.

Best Regards, Leah