[jfollo]

Coping with Blood Tests for Leukemia: A Guide to Making the Best of a Not-So-Great Situation

So, you've been diagnosed with leukemia, and you're facing a barrage of blood tests. It's a tough situation, to say the least, but don't worry! With a little bit of humor and some helpful tips, we can help you get through this process with your sanity intact.

First of all, try to view blood tests as a game. Make up a scorecard to track your progress, and see how many tests you can ace in a row. Bonus points if you can make the phlebotomist smile. Who knows, you might even discover a hidden talent for needle-juggling!

Next, bring your sense of humor with you to the lab. Remember that laughter is the best medicine (for the soul, anyway). You can start by giving your veins silly nicknames (we suggest "Veiny McVeinface") or bringing in props to help distract you during the test (like a rubber chicken or a whoopee cushion). Just don't go too far and distract the lab tech!

If you're feeling nervous, try deep breathing exercises or bring along a stress ball to squeeze during the test. You can also bring along your favorite tunes on your phone to help you relax, or bring a book to help you escape into another world for a little while.

Lastly, don't forget to treat yourself after each test. Reward yourself for being a trooper with a cupcake, a hot bath, or a night of binge-watching your favorite show.

In conclusion, coping with blood tests for leukemia can be a challenge, but with a little bit of humor and some self-care, you can get through it. So, take a deep breath, channel your inner Veiny McVeinface, and get started!

 

[Blattstone88]

I try to make the phlebotomist my friend, figuring that if I am super nice to he or she, I'll walk away with less bruising.

It's the pre-blood testing process, worrying, that I detest the most. It's hard to just ride that wave ,but it's doable.

Exciting pro tips. Right before a blood test, if you take a walk for just about 1.5 miles( a 25 minute walk at a medium pace) you will often manage to shake some neutrophils and platelets out of the lungs, spleen and liver ...maybe even off the vein walls. ( although the latter is a guess) I find that by walking for 1.5 miles ...then resting for about 20 minutes right before the draw my platelets and neutrophils are measured more realistically and show small increases. Also while you want to be well hydrated hours before the blood draw, you do not want to chug a bottle of water right before the test, as this actually will dilute your blood somewhat and your measure of platelets may drop.

My fantasy is to substitute my blood vials with my neighbor's blood and have the doctor rush into the meeting room saying " Damn I'm good ! You are cured and I haven't even treated you yet!!" Of course, this isn't going to happen anytime, soon .

Anyways, blood draws are a part of the CLL process. I am at the point where I get just minimally nuts before a blood draw,-- not totally Coo Coo for Cocoa puffs.

 

[jfollo]

Yep... Scanxiety! I've also learned that being dehydrated can sabotage a lot of your blood work. Ask me about the time I did a half marathon just before labs...