Leukaemia worry

I've been experiencing daily headaches, muscle weakness and joint pain. Recently I've had some unexplained bruising which thankfully go away very quickly and now some petechiae on my arm. These are symptoms of leukaemia and I went to my GP with this.

He gave me a blood test which came back perfectly normal despite my symptoms. I now am very confused as I was convinced I had leukaemia. Should I stop worrying about this considering my blood work was normal or could it have missed something, and should I attempt to receive another?

I am 17 years old and a male if this helps. Thank you

  • Hello Danm17

    Thank you for posting in our Ask the Nurses topic area. The nurse team is now out of the office for the festive period.

    The office reopens on Wednesday 28th to 30th Dec 9 am to 5 pm. Then closed 5 pm 30th Dec, back on 3rd Jan 2023 to 6th Jan, as normal 9 am to 5 pm.

    They will reply as soon as they can but you’re also welcome to contact them on 0808 800 4040 during opening hours.

    Best wishes,
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hello Danm17 and thanks for posting,

    I am sorry to learn that you have unexplained symptoms that have been worrying you. As these symptoms are ongoing, I think it is reasonable to talk things over again to ask your GP what they think is causing them and if anything thing else needs to be done. 

    Leukaemia tends to be linked to having an abnormal blood cell count and abnormal looking blood cells so ask your GP about the sorts of blood tests you had and whatcan be concluded from them.  

    Bear in mind that the same symptoms that can occur with cancer can also occur for other reasons, and often another explanation is more likely, so try not to worry but do make an appointment with your GP, let them know your symptoms are peristsing and go through your concerns.   

    Give us a ring if you want to talk anything over, Our number is  Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday, we are closed on 2nd January. 

    Wishing you the best, 

    Julia