My sister was diagnosed 2 years ago with Gardners Syndrome, which is a rare form of cancer involving the GI tract. She had her large intestines and a good portion of her small intestines removed. She underwent radiation at that time and has been in what could be called remission since. She still get multiple tumors and cysts throughout her body but so far none of them have been cancerous.

Over the weekend she developed flu-like syptoms: sore throat, chills, fevers, night sweats, and body aches. Late last night she called me in hysterics becuase she was covered with bruises from head to toe all of a sudden. As I was trying to get her to get to the ER she started bleeding from her eyes, mouth, nose, etc. They rushed her to the ER and her platelet count was only 6! (normal is 200-450). The doctors say that it is probably leukemia, possibly due to the radiation she received during her first bout with cancer.

I have heard that the more abrupt the symptoms are and the lower the platelet count, the more severe the leukemia is. Has anyone experienced anything similar. What was the outcome. I live in Maine and she is in Florida and I do not know whether to fly to Florida immediately or if I should wait and watch and see what happens over the next couple of days once they perform the bone marrow biopsy. Is she in immediate danger of something serious happening? I just don't know what to do. I am her only family other than her husband and I don't know if I am overreacting or not. Anyone have any advice - experience with sort of situation?

Jen:confused:

I personally would be on the first plane out of here. It does not sound like your overreacting. I can only pray your sister gets immediate diagnosis and treatment (and that it's not leukemia). My leukemia started because of too much chemo. Some early signs were low platelets, bruising, fatigue and nose bleeds. One nose bleed was 7 1/2 hours long and landed me in the hospital for blood and platelet transfusions. Your sister is now in my prayers. Please post again if you can to let us know how she is doing.

I will keep her in my prayers. You also. My MIL was recently dxd with AML. She just finished her first round of chemo.
Please keep us posted. And I agree with the other responce, you should be with her if you can.
God Bless,
Kim