Platelets and WBC low, worried re leukaemia

[Fooolofbeens]

My white blood cell count has been below the ref range for several months but GP was not unduly concerned. 6 weeks ago it dropped to 2.5, so was repeated a week ago. Results have come back, WBC remains low and now platelets have dropped below reference range. (I don't know specific figures as receptionist wouldn't give them to me). I've had iron deficiency anaemia previously which didn't respond to iron tablets, and was treated with a Ferritin transfusion last year, I think Hb has remained in range since then. I do tend to suffer from dizziness and fatigue but this has been quite long standing. A repeat blood test and GP appointment has been made for 4 weeks time.
On top of the niggly concern the results could be indicative of anaemia, I lost a half brother to leukaemia 15 years ago meaning my risk is raised due to a genetic component (I don't think my GP is aware of my family history).
I know no-one can diagnose, but any experiences of leukaemia investigations and at what point in depth investigations begin or others with similar blood count irregularities and ideas what may cause them would be greatly received while I wait for further input from the GP.

Hopeful bump

Hopeful bump

Sorry duplication there

I don't think anyone is going to be able to give you reassurance here.
If you are worried and unhappy waiting 4 weeks just to repeat blood test (I would be tbh) then either ask your GP to contact a haematologist now rather than wait (often with haem they can discuss/ask for advice per blood tests, without making a full referral) or consider seeing a haematologist privately.

I’m an ex blood scientist, leukaemia usually shows as elevated white blood cells because it’s a cancer where abnormal white blood cells are produced by the bone marrow at a fast rate. If you Google low wbc there will be a lot of websites saying it is associated with leukaemia, but this is a bit misleading as what they mean are low numbers of healthy wbc. Abnormal blood test results (high and low) trigger a blood film to be produced and examined in the lab and the scientists would see the abnormal (cancerous) white cells on the film, this would then be reviewed urgently by a haematologist and you would have been contacted for a hospital appointment fairly quickly. So it is reassuring that they are happy to just wait and see if the results return to normal in six weeks.

There are many causes for low wbc and platelets, they can be associated with iron deficiency and viral infections, however, if they remain low (and 2.5 is quite low) it can indicate a more serious issue such as with the bone marrow and should be investigated further.

DH had serious bone marrow failure (with stem cell transplant) and the GP phoned him 5 times on the day that his blood results came in saying "Go to hospital now, they are expecting you, do not pass Go" etc. No way was anyone waiting 4 weeks for repeat tests. Hopefully this suggests that they are not unduly concerned now.

Hi OP. How are you doing now?