As you hypothesized (to my knowledge), none of us have a medical degree here. I take a medication that requires me to keep tabs on my red and white cell counts, so I can only speak from experience and randomly absorbed knowledge.

You're looking at probably a couple more vials of blood to be drawn, I'm guessing a CBC (complete blood count, to be doubly sure the problem hasn't resolved itself), a WBC (white blood count) to look at the details of what's going on with your white count, and any other tests your doctor wants to do, depending on the rest of your symptoms, if you have any, and family history. No big deal. :)

You are correct that high white blood cell count could be a presentation of leukemia - but it could also be something as simple as some kind of minor infection - something you'd just need to take some antibiotics for, and you'd be fine.

Now, from what I've read, smoking is listed as a possibly cause for leukemia, but it's also noted that many people who have the risk factors don't have leukemia, and many people who have leukemia do not have the risk factors. Researchers are not completely sure of the cause of that particular cancer, so it's impossible to say. Smoking is obviously not healthy, but you're doing the best you can in your given situation. Candles shouldn't be an issue. The smoke and scents they give off are pretty much harmless - there's no tar in them to inhale.

I can't tell you for sure it's not leukemia, unless the rest of your counts are fine (in which case it most likely isn't), but I CAN tell you that cancer is not the most likely reason for a raised white count.

So, talk to your doctor, do whatever tests need to be done, and don't be scared. Do keep track of any symptoms you have. If you feel a cold coming on, or a cough, any fevers - anything abnormal, even feeling extra tired.

Hang in there. You can always have a parent or legal guardian page your doctor, if you're worried, and get more detail about his or her concerns.

Good luck. :)

Siren

Your answer calmed me down a bit, thank you.

I'm a laid-back 26 year old with a Psychology BA, starting my MA program, and working my way into the field as quickly as I can. It took me an extra Bachelor's degree (in vocal performance and creative writing) to figure it out, but I was put on this Earth to help, to heal, and to love.

I have made the decision to dedicate my life and career to helping others. I am here to do just that.

I've been a member since 2004, and since I signed up, I've gone through quite a lot and learned quite a lot from it. I'm here to give guidance where I had none; no one should have to go through the difficulties I went through alone.

Feel free to visit my website/blog, if you want to read my experience with domestic violence and my thoughts on it.

***While I do tend to answer mental health and other health-related or medicine-related questions, I am by NO MEANS a licensed physician or practitioner of any sort. Any and all advice I give for these questions is from my own experience or studies.***

If you need to get a hold of me quickly, my screen name on AIM is SirenCytherea. Just let me know you found me here.

I'm a strong believer in the idea that there are no stupid questions except the ones left unasked, so, please, keep an open mind, heart, and mouth.

Siren

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