Freaking out a bit

kar123

Having a little panic attack. I have a new oncologist. She noticed an increase in my alkaline phosphate levels. My previous oncologist never mentioned it before. The new one has ordered blood work and if it has increased more, she said she might order a bone scan. She also ordered a blood test for lactate dehydrogenase. I've never had this requested before. Of course I googled and now I'm freaking out. She didn't seem like she was worried, but I obviously have figured out what she is looking for. Anyone else have this turn out to be a benign condition? Just grasping at hope at this point.

Shellsatthebeach

Yep, just recently. Last month to be exact. My levels were in the 150s. They don't like it over 130s. My doc ordered a bone scan which also freaked me out! My bone scan came back clean. I also had an abdomen ultrasound which diagnosed me with fatty liver. I was so relieved it wasn't cancer. I am on a diet and joined the YMCA livestrong program. Hoping I can reverse fatty liver by adopting a healthier life style. Will ask to have more lab work in about 6 months to see if there is a difference in my alkaline phosphrate. Do you know if your ALT or AST were also up or were they in the normal range?

kar123

Everything else is in the normal range. My last test in July had me at 157. I have gained about 45lbs in the last couple of years and certainly do not eat very well or exercise regularly. Never thought I would be hoping for fatty liver, but I'll take it instead of the alternative Thanks for posting and giving me a little relief tonight.

Shellsatthebeach

My ALT and AST was also in the normal range. I think I was 156 for alkaline phosphrate. I've been doing reading on fatty liver since being diagnosed and recently learned tamoxifin can also be a culprit. I'm thinking about switching to an AI. Anyway, hoping you receive good results. The waiting around for results is the pits!

kar123

Thank you so much for settling me a little tonight. I really appreciate it. I love your screen name. My favorite past time is beach combing in Ocean City , Nj.

Shellsatthebeach

My favorite place is Old Orchard Beach Maine!

Denise-G

My sister had same situation (also a Stage 3 survivor). She also had a fatty liver!

But it is all so scary! GOOD LUCK! Also, are you on a statin drug for cholesterol?

I believe that can cause the elevation.

JoE777

I was diagnosed with fatty liver 20 years ago. My gastroinerologist called it the American liver.

kar123

I got my numbers back and they went down from 157 to 127. I hope that is good enough. I am on high blood pressure meds, but not a statin. My cholesterol has always been ok. I am hypothyroid (on unithroid to normalize levels0 since having radioactive iodine for Graves Disease and I think that can contribute to fatty liver.

Shellsatthebeach

So glad to hear your numbers went down. I too had Grave's when I was younger which has turned into Hashimoto's.

Missmom79

did you ever figure out what it was for? I too was feeling out as mine went from 583 to 693 in a month after two treatments of AC? They didn’t say anything about it. All other blood work was perfect. It’s making me think the chemo isn’t working so ya I’m freaking. Nurse checked breast and said it seemed less thick in the area that it was.

kar123

Not yet. I had the bone scan and it showed only one tiny spot on an upper rib. I had a bad cough and pretty sure I injured it. So they are fairly certain that it was an old fracture. All other blood work is perfect except for cholesterol, so now they are thinking fatty liver. At least that is what I am hoping. More tests to come, but I am a little more relaxed about it now.

SSInUK

Yay! Go fatty liver!! Waiting for tests sucks. Interested to hear of your weight gain when hypothyroid - I developed hadhimotos after chemo - I’m sure it was connected - and have put on a similar amount of weight, cholesterol up etc. So frustrating and I feel so guilty in relation th breast cancer self care - but it’s v v hard to stay healthy

Missmom79

kar123 I’m just curious if your lactate dehydrogenase has Rosen and fallen and been ok? I’m stage 3b. I see your stage 3a. I hit the search bar in here and came up with every post that has to do about it. Was freaking me out cuz it said it can mean progression. Kind of like a tumor marker but not really. Mine went from like 583 to 693

kar123

Missmom79 that number has stayed pretty steady for me. Highest was 198 and lowest was 181.