A hematologist offers fresh insights about my blood work
An uptick in my white blood cells sends me to a new specialist, just in case
My white blood cell count was high during my first tumor with Cushing’s disease, back in 2020. Now, with my second tumor, it’s happening all over again. For that reason, I’ve added a hematologist to my doctor rotation to make sure there isn’t any cancer and that Cushing’s is all that’s causing it.
I was nervous going into my appointment, of course. Many people around me were there to see oncologists, and I tried to remain calm; with a chronic illness, after all, it’s so easy to spiral. I want to believe that things will be OK, but I’ve had surgery to remove a pituitary tumor, and I’ve had calcified fibroids on my ovaries. My worst-case scenarios have happened, so when they’re again a possibility, it gets to me.
The hematologist explained that my white blood cell counts, which have been consistently high throughout the years, have been caused by neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that tends to hide in bone marrow.
He compared it all to the musical “West Side Story.” You know those snapping Jets who dance down the street in the movie or on stage? That’s sort of what happens when neutrophils sense high cortisol. They assume it’s an infection of some kind and sort of gang up to fix it, which causes my levels to go up and down. My hematologist said that makes sense since I have cyclical Cushing’s disease, which means that my tumor releases hormones only sometimes instead of constantly.
Reassuring news
He’s not worried that I have any hematology issues at this time, for these reasons:
- Only my neutrophil counts are high, not my other white blood cells.
- For years my blood work has shown consistent proof of inflammation, which can cause higher counts of white blood cells in response.
- We know I have Cushing’s disease, which usually explains high results.
- I don’t have symptoms that are exclusive to cancer. While some of them can overlap with Cushing’s symptoms, my hematologist looks for two that I don’t experience: unexpected weight loss and consistent infections.
That being said, he was glad I visited. He told me I should definitely follow up if I see a few markers he pointed out, but I can also come back just to be sure nothing is wrong. So I’ll be looking out for high counts from my other white blood cells, swollen lymph nodes or other lymph node problems (if they’re confirmed by an ultrasound), and excessive bleeding and infections.
I did have swollen lymph nodes recently, which sparked this appointment, but ultrasounds of my lymph nodes and shoulders indicated I had nothing to worry about. I do have bleeding problems because I have slow-healing wounds, but that didn’t seem to concern my hematologist. That’s where symptom overlap can be confusing, and it’s good for me to be specific about my problems to avoid them being misdiagnosed.
If you’re having these markers with your Cushing’s, don’t panic. It’s always good to talk to your doctor and visit a hematologist, however, even if you get the same answers I did.
You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.
Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.
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