Could someone please help me make sense of these blood work results? Everything seems totally fine except for a few things: neutrophil granulocytes 34 (rel), 44-72 1.85(abs), 2.06-6.49 lymphocytes 54.7 (rel), 20-46 2.97 (abs), 1.19-3.35
So, basically, my granulocytes are low and my relative lymphocyte count is high—and this has been happening for three years straight now. My primary care doctor isn't even sweating it, but my cardiologist suggested I actually look into this.
If this were the absolute last group of migrants we ever had to process, honestly, I wouldn’t be losing any sleep over it. But let's be real—it's never just one group, is it? It’s one wave after another, an endless loop, and I’m genuinely worried there won't be an end in sight. At some point, someone needs to actually step up, draw a line in the sand, and say "enough." We need to decide on a hard cap for how many people America can realistically take in, and once we hit that number, the door stays shut.
When it comes to how doctors communicate, you’ve hit the nail on the head. It’s either they assume you understand all the medical jargon perfectly, or they think you shouldn't be burdened with the details at all. Either way, you end up spiraling, trying to make sense of whatever wild theories you pick up from some random corner of the internet or a friend who thinks they're an expert. In our situation, we were dealing with a super rare type of carcinoma in situ—something our oncologist hadn't even encountered before. There are probably only a handful of research papers published worldwide on the subject. Honestly, until we finally untangled the whole mess, the stress was absolutely brutal. That’s why I keep bringing up the need for psychological support. In those moments, we desperately needed someone to talk to.
I totally agree—talking to people who have actually walked in your shoes is hands down the most valuable thing there is. There’s a reason people say "a healthy person can't understand the sick," right? Real-world experience hits different. Still, I have to say, during all those hospital visits, I met so many people who were just completely lost on how to help themselves or their loved ones. It’s not like everyone has the luxury of being tech-savvy enough to jump on an online forum, or even find local support groups that actually work. For instance, I met this mother from Canada whose child was fighting cancer, and she was just desperate for someone—anyone—to talk to. The doctors were incredibly dedicated, don't get me wrong, but nobody has an extra hour in their day just to sit and listen to her. That’s why I honestly think this kind of emotional support is vital; it really ought to be a formal part of the healthcare system, where people can choose the type of connection that fits their own needs.
We honestly just needed someone to listen. That initial shock when you get hit with a diagnosis isn't even about the illness itself; it’s this sudden, terrifying realization that you might actually outlive your own child. It sends you straight into a spiral of irrational thoughts. For me—someone who was always considered the level-headed, optimistic one in the family—it felt like I was completely sinking. It was something I had never truly processed before. My whole family lived long lives; nobody dealt with anything malignant, we all stayed healthy, and I always spoke about death as just a natural part of life. I couldn't wrap my head around any of it at first. But, like I said, things turned out okay—we have a really optimistic prognosis now—so I can finally look back with a clear head at everything that went down. I've come to realize that bad news doesn't just happen to "other people." You have to learn how to face whatever life throws at you, especially because the way you carry yourself can either help the patient or make things significantly harder for them. Let's be real: not everyone is built to handle this kind of stress. People who need support deserve to have it provided through an actual, structured system. I know non-profits try their best, and support groups exist, and thank God we have this forum where we can vent our worries, but we still need professional help. I know that around the world, there are dedicated services and a huge emphasis placed on psycho-oncology to help ease the trauma. So, it makes me wonder why it isn't possible here to at least start implementing organized care for patients and their families.
I’ve been lurking here for quite a while now. If I can even call it that—not that I should brag, since my story actually ended on a high note—but I spent months living in this constant loop of shock, fear, and desperate hope. I came to these forums looking for any shred of an answer to the terrors keeping me up at night. To give you the full picture: my daughter (she's 37) dealt with what looked like a breast infection. After some antibiotics, things seemed to be looking up according to her doctor's ultrasound, showing nothing but benign changes. But there was this massive lump that just wouldn't budge, so she took matters into her own hands and pushed for a puncture. That spiraled into a biopsy, a mammogram, a CT scan, and then two more biopsies at a different facility. The results were all over the place—ranging from inflammation to carcinoma in situ. Once the final diagnosis hit, she had to undergo a mastectomy because the tumor was just too large to save the breast. Thankfully, the pathology confirmed it was carcinoma in situ, and a very rare type at that—only about 1% of all breast cancers. Since the lymph nodes were clear, she didn't need any extra treatment. Now, we’re just doing check-ups twice a year. So, why am I dumping all this on you? This whole ordeal—this absolute gauntlet of uncertainty and dread—doesn't just affect the patient; it leaves a permanent mark on the entire family. And look, the doctors were great. Truly. They were professional, kind, and attentive. But we desperately needed psychological support, and we had nowhere to turn. The oncology department at the Mayo Clinic is top-tier, and the doctors are incredibly human, but there was nobody there to help us actually process the fear. I’ve heard whispers about a psychologist who steps in when needed and is genuinely dedicated to the cause, and apparently, there are plans to open a psycho-oncology department, but progress is moving at a snail's pace. My question is: is there anything we, as family members—and I'm sure patients feel this too—can actually do to push for this? I know firsthand how much people truly need that mental health support.
I honestly don't see any logic in this at all. His primary source was some guy named Novica from Mobile, whose mother was killed by Nationalists militants—though I have to wonder, what would he have done if he’d stumbled upon someone whose mother was killed by Royalists in that same town? He was already out there glorifying Marshall before things even got started, which makes the whole thing feel incredibly biased and completely lacking in objectivity. Why on earth now, though? That's the real question.
Look, I’ve got some years on me now, though mentally? Not so much. I’ll be the first to admit I recognize people are different, and honestly, I'm against persecuting anyone just for being themselves. If my kid turned out to be gay, it would be a massive adjustment for me, I won't lie—but at the end of the day, I’d love them just the same.
But I have to ask—and this is directed mostly at the gay community, since they’re the ones living it: Why is it that during Pride parades, participants feel the need to dress so provocatively and act in total opposition to any sense of public decency? I mean, seriously. You see these images of men half-naked, wearing enough makeup to rival a Vegas showgirl, using all sorts of sex toys, and making out—well, let's call it "aggressive smooching"—in ways that frankly just turn people off. It’s never going to help them win over the neighbors if they behave like that. I'll be blunt: seeing those parades makes my skin crawl, and I think any straight couple acting that way would get the exact same reaction from the public. Wouldn't it be more effective—more "normal," I guess—to fight for rights with a bit of dignity? Just show the world that love is love through simple gestures, like holding hands, instead of putting on this perverse little show for everyone else? And then, predictably, you get into those heated debates about whether people like that should even be allowed to adopt children.
The community really needs to police its own approach to activism. If they don't start demanding respect through more dignified means, they’re always going to find themselves surrounded by people who just want nothing to do with them.
It really doesn't matter which city we settle on; what actually matters is who is willing to step up and take the reins, because what we need here is a capable organizer to handle the logistics—securing accommodations, arranging dinners, perhaps even finding some decent music—especially for those of us traveling from across the country. I’m calling on my fellow members to speak up and share your suggestions, otherwise, this whole idea is just going to remain nothing more than dead ink on a page. It would be a wonderful thing if we could claim a day of our own and, provided everything goes smoothly, establish a tradition where we meet every single year. Best regards,🙂🙂🙂
Washington, D.C. would certainly be an option, though I must admit, it would be quite lovely if they brought it to my neck of the woods in Los Angeles instead.🙂
silentheron25 said:It seems to me that far too many people are living with psoriasis without either ourselves or those around us even noticing it in the rhythm of daily life, so there really is no reason to spiral into depression over it. I do, however, have this lingering suspicion that women find it a bit more taxing, as if they are naturally more susceptible to being swayed by such moods. For me, the worst stretches were back during my elementary school days and the start of high school, though I’ve gradually grown accustomed to it; I’m somewhat used to it now, even if I would gladly break all these habits in an instant if given the chance. One ought to maintain a positive outlook, but then again, when I was at the doctor's recently and was told I have arthritis—requiring a few days of hospital observation—it immediately shattered that sense of calm I work so hard to maintain. And hearing that this could eventually lead to disability? Well, that wasn't exactly the news I was looking for. I was recently having some clinical photos taken of my hands and feet where the marks on my fingers are quite apparent, and looking at sketches online, I can see that my condition matches perfectly, even though the official imaging reports claim nothing visible is there. I would be happy to believe them, but the physical reality is right before my eyes, coupled with the fact that my nails are still slightly brittle, despite my best efforts to manage it and prevent further damage. I rely heavily on bathing and getting some sun, which is my main hope, as I don't bother with creams aside from Psorexa and a specific T-gel shampoo that has been quite effective for me. My only real fear is the possibility of arthritis setting in, because I've only just turned 26, and frankly, I have no desire for that, nor does anyone else. Still, a positive attitude carries weight, so I hope everyone manages to hold onto theirs and finds themselves growing stronger through it all. I would also like to propose that if anyone here ever decides to leave this forum, we should try to meet up somewhere in person; it would make things much easier, knowing we can offer one another support, advice, or a helping hand. Once people meet face-to-face, the dynamic changes entirely, though I suspect we can already count on one another if someone truly needs assistance. To give you an idea, if my brother weren't coming home from college, anyone would be welcome to come stay by the coast and enjoy the ocean without worrying about the cost of hotels or lodging. I honestly think we might be able to help each other more than the doctors can, considering I've dealt with this for over fifteen years and there's a lady here who has lived with it for over forty, yet in all those years, no cure has appeared—or perhaps it simply isn't being sought after, which is a strange thought. It's as if this is something trivial to ignore, as if our struggles aren't difficult, even though for some, they certainly are. Ultimately, one shouldn't place too much faith in modern medicine; I tend to avoid doctors and hospitals whenever possible, using them only when absolutely necessary, as I don't rely on them for my well-being.
I agree with your suggestion; I've actually been thinking myself that we should all gather in some city and finally meet one another.🙂
Kate Williams41 said:It’s truly touching how well you all manage your condition... I have moments like this too, though they used to spiral into much deeper depressions... I’ve noticed the conversation here has really picked up since you joined us, so, well... kudos to you! hehe... I suspect your family has played a huge role in helping you through this... personally, I’ve found myself teetering on the edge of depression quite often because of one specific fear... the growing conviction that I will never be able to start a family because of what I’m dealing with... regardless of the people posting here or the spouses of those suffering... given the way things are today... and the mindset of young people nowadays... I find it hard to believe anyone would truly accept me with this condition... which is why I struggle with her so intensely... I don't know about everyone else... there are plenty of young people in this group... but how do relationships and psoriasis actually function together? perhaps a better way to put it... what about your sex lives???
Best to everyone...👍
I actually met my husband in the dermatology ward while I was hospitalized. The moment he saw me, he turned to the doctor and asked if there was any cure at all, because he had been a merchant marine and figured he could just track down a remedy somewhere in the world. The doctor was blunt enough to explain my situation immediately, warning him that things would get even more difficult at times, yet here we are, married for thirty-four years already. Naturally, family is paramount, and that doesn't just mean a spouse or children. Parents, siblings, close friends—all of them can provide that essential support to ensure you feel valued and loved until someone comes along who will love you sincerely, regardless of everything...
Maria Chavez55 said:Betty Allen15, please accept my warmest welcome as well. 🙂
As far as I am concerned, I have been quite satisfied with the results of a self-prescribed regimen—something I put together based on various treatments I used during the winter that, frankly, failed to yield anything worthwhile—and now that summer has arrived, things have turned out rather positively. However, since the formula relies on corticosteroids, I won't dwell on the specifics here. For the time being, I am simply maintaining my skin's condition with Aveeno thermal water and a basic moisturizer, and I am holding onto the hope that an upcoming trip to the coast for some sun will help lock in these improvements for at least a little while. Best to everyone,
Thanks for the warm welcome! If I may offer a suggestion, you might want to try using olive oil and St. John's Wort while you're out at the beach; I’ve been relying on that combination for five or six years now, and it has done wonders for me.
Linda Chase81 said:I’ll give it a shot, thank you all so much 🙏
I have to admit that you all have pulled me out of a bit of a slump, because ever since the beginning of summer, I’ve fallen into a rather nasty funk... my skin flare-ups have spread quite a bit across my body, and beyond that, it is just maddening to see them appearing on my legs, which means I can't wear dresses 😢 I didn't used to deal with this on my legs 😢
I realize how bizarre this sounds compared to the much more severe situations some of you face, but you know how it goes... I’ve hit 31, and yet perhaps only five percent of the people in my orbit actually understand what is happening with my skin 😵 everyone else just stares without saying a word, and occasionally someone might ask, so I provide an answer 🙄 It is truly appalling how uninformed people are; it irritates me that there aren't more television programs dedicated to this, and that psoriasis is still treated like some sort of social taboo 😠 you don't even see it portrayed in those mindless medical dramas on network TV—never once have I heard or seen anyone suffering from psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis 🤷
The most vital thing is to respect and love yourself exactly as you are, and to attempt to live your life normally; if you do that, you will find yourself noticing those strange glances from others far less often. I don't personally know depression, simply because I have never allowed anyone—not even a disease—to dictate how I live my life, so please, do not permit yourself to sink into depression or a low state. I would rather hand you a CD, put on some music, and dance through the morning; I wear skirts and short-sleeved shirts regardless of my condition, and when I catch those odd looks, I simply smile at them. I reached age 54 without ever succumbing to depression and I still maintain the same attitude, speaking very little about my psoriasis. I have a family of seven—my husband, two daughters, a grandson, and a son-in-law—whom I care for, so I simply don't have the luxury of time to dwell on "what ifs" or worry about who thinks what of me. You are young, and there are many beautiful years ahead of you; enjoy them, leave the depression to someone else, keep your chin up, and remember that tomorrow is a new day.🙂
Linda Chase81 said:Kudos to Ms. Rose🙏 🙏 🙏 I sincerely hope your quality of life improves significantly from here on out.🙂
I’ve been dealing with this since I was nineteen, and honestly, my patience is wearing thin lately; I have this nagging sensation that things are steadily declining and that even the most basic shower gels are starting to feel like irritants. I had been using Palmolive ultra-moisturizing with olive oil, but ever since I briefly swapped it out for something from Nivea, my skin has been itching terribly at the sites where the psoriasis flares up. I never experienced symptoms quite this aggressive before, regardless of how much area was affected. Why on earth does this happen, and what on earth am I supposed to wash with??? 😢 😢 😢
CHEERS! Personally, I stick strictly to Johnson's Baby chamomile shampoo for my showers because it's gentle enough that it doesn't irritate my skin. After bathing, I take some products from Aphrodite—specifically their almond milk, aloe vera lotion, and that chamomile and green tea milk—mix them all together into one concoction, and apply that to my body. It's packed with vitamins and helps maintain skin elasticity, though obviously, it isn't a cure; you can even stir your regular medicated cream into the mixture. It works for me, whereas Nivea doesn't suit my skin at all. For my face, I use Eucerin Omega cream, as the cortisone treatments have left my facial skin pretty damaged with broken capillaries.
Chris Morgan67 said:Just wanted to drop in and say hello to everyone👍 Betty Allen15 is happy to be here! 🙂
For those of you out there dealing with scalp issues, I feel somewhat obligated to mention that if you’re looking for relief, Dr. Temt’s black shampoo is pretty much the only thing on the market worth a damn; it actually contains coal tar, which is what really settles everything down. You can pick it up at any local CVS, $23 and frankly, it’s the only thing that has ever provided me with any real, tangible relief. 👍
Robin Robinson8 said:First off, I want to send a massive hello and offer nothing but respect for your sheer persistence and that relentless optimism of yours. 🙏 😁 👍 I am honestly at a loss for words; after years of fighting this, you’ve finally found some success. It truly warms my heart to hear that methotrexate is actually doing the trick for you, and I have high hopes that your labs will look much better at the next check-up. While those biologics can be a total lifesaver when things get dire, they certainly aren't without their own baggage of side effects, though I assume your doctors gave you the full rundown—they surely would if they're running all those tests on you. I find myself wondering about the current state of your joints and how you ended up with an 80% disability rating—which, frankly, sounds devastating—because that is precisely what keeps me up at night. Was there really nothing more that could have been done to prevent that level of damage? Were the biologics suggested primarily to tackle the arthritis, or was it for the psoriasis, or perhaps both? What is the primary diagnosis here? By the way, Dr. Smith is absolutely wonderful. 🙂
This might come across as intrusive, or perhaps you'd prefer to skip answering and just send a private message, but since you've lived for years with both psoriasis and arthritis, I'm curious: do you have children, and how did pregnancy affect your condition—or vice versa?
It seems to me that every flare-up of the psoriasis was triggered by a drop in immunity or a spike in stress, which feels almost textbook. Personally, whenever I run a fever, I tend to break out in pustular flares, and those little pus-filled bumps are incredibly aggravating because no matter what topical you slap on them, they just refuse to settle down. How have you managed to deal with those?
Please forgive the barrage of questions; I suppose I'm just being inquisitive, haha, mostly because I'm dealing with a rather difficult case of my own. Best, 😍
Hay! That disability rating came about because I was stuck with the wrong specialist—a physical therapist who kept me on Atrocam for twenty years simply because we didn't have any other options in our area. As for my joints right now, they are relatively quiet; there's no active inflammation, and despite the cramping in my fingers and toes, I remain mobile and active. I haven't started biologics yet, and I'm well aware that every medication carries its own price, including the biological ones; in my experience, the most significant damage was actually caused by the cortisone. My official diagnosis is psoriasis vulgaris pustulosa and psoriatic arthritis. The biologics have been recommended to address both the skin and the joint issues. I have two daughters and a grandchild. During my first pregnancy, there were fewer relapses because I hadn't developed the pustular type yet, but during my second, the doctors in my hometown refused to take me on, so I had to travel to Chicago. When I was five months along, they put me on Tigason—I was supposedly the first pregnant woman in the entire country to undergo that treatment. I still had flares, but everything turned out fine and I gave birth to a healthy baby. For the pustules, I used Eucerin and Elecre, which would clear things up after a few days before the cycle started again, and I also found relief using baby shampoo in the bath. Just stay persistent, and only apply what actually works for your skin.
Kate Williams41 said:Greetings to Ms. Rose!! A warm welcome to you! Good grief, I honestly don't even know how to respond... it’s such a deeply tragic story, and unfortunately, it's the absolute truth. Life seems to be nothing but an endless cycle of hardship and suffering... which is precisely what I see unfolding before my very eyes.😢 I appreciate you reaching out to us and sharing your journey.... One question remains.... how much did that therapy actually run you? You mentioned it was expensive? Hmm.... So... after recounting your sorrowful tale... it seems your time has finally come where it isn't just that wretched illness occupying your mind! Yes, it still is... but... things are finally looking up! That is truly wonderful.
Best regards,
My primary care physician sent me over with a referral and travel authorization, and I spent fifteen days inpatient at the hospital for testing, all of which was fully covered by my insurance. If I am eventually cleared for biologic medication, that too is covered by insurance, though those drugs are reserved strictly for severe cases, and I had to endure every conceivable form of treatment before they would even consider approving it. Currently, I am on methotrexate, and I'm nine months into waiting for a new medication that costs about $15,000 a year; because it's so pricey, it's only authorized for extreme cases, and there are currently only a handful of people in the entire US receiving it. Don't let the future intimidate you—psoriasis doesn't manifest the same way for everyone, and despite everything I have endured, I remain a staunch optimist and find life to be quite beautiful.