I don’t understand the bloodwork

Hi Barbara,

I know it’s frustrating trying to decipher lab tests. I work in the Medical laboratory and here is a website I use frequently. It’s sponsored by all of the national groups and agencies that monitor medical labs so it’s a realiable one. Maybe it will help:

http://www.labtestsonline.org/

Also don’t hesitate to call your doctor’s office and ask to speak to the “triage” nurse and give her your questions that need answering or to pass along to the doctor if she can’t answer them. You don’t need to be endlessly worried til your appointment. As I tell my Mom and Dad, you are paying for a service and should get your money’s worth. *grin*.

Also remember when your doctor does multiple tests, he’s not only looking at actual values or results but also at the larger picture of how these tests can fit together.

In regards to staging here is another website:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/staging

Once a cancer has spread to another organ, it’s generally considered Stage IV. For instance since my Mom’s CC has spread to her lungs by the time she was diagnosed her cancer was considered Stage IV.

Hope this is helpful. Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Cherbourg