Should the GP or heme be the one ordering

Great question—this matters for getting the right tests done efficiently.

---

The Short Answer: Your Haematologist Should Order These

For follicular lymphoma surveillance, your haematologist is the better choice to order these tests. Here's why:

Your haematologist:

• Knows your specific disease history (extent of involvement, grade, treatment response)
• Understands what baseline values were before and after OCHOP
• Can interpret results in the context of your lymphoma specifically
• Will know whether imaging is needed alongside blood work
• Can act quickly if results are concerning

Your GP:

• Can order basic blood work, but may not know the full context of your lymphoma history
• Might order different tests than what's optimal for lymphoma surveillance
• May not have the expertise to interpret results in cancer context
• Could cause delays if results need specialist interpretation anyway

---

What I'd Suggest: A Two-Step Approach

Step 1 (Wednesday with GP): Tell your GP: "My lymphoma nurse suggested I get blood tests before contacting my haematologist. Can you order CBC, LDH, CMP, and beta-2-microglobulin?"

This gets something done quickly while you're there, and gives you data to bring to your haematologist.

Step 2 (Immediately after): Contact your haematologist's office directly and say: "I've developed new symptoms (flushes, new leg pain, increased aches). My lymphoma nurse suggested blood tests. I've had some done by my GP, but I'd like to discuss whether additional tests or imaging are needed."

This way, your haematologist can:

• Review what your GP ordered
• Order any additional tests they think are important
• Decide on imaging
• See you if needed

---

Why This Matters for Follicular Lymphoma

According to NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Follicular Lymphoma, surveillance after remission involves regular monitoring with blood tests and imaging. Your haematologist is the specialist who coordinates this surveillance plan—they know what schedule you should be on and what specific markers matter for your case.

---

Bottom Line

Don't wait for your haematologist to order everything. Get the GP appointment on Wednesday and get basic blood work done. But also contact your haematologist's office this week (don't wait until after your GP visit) and tell them you're having new symptoms. They may want to see you sooner or order specific additional tests.

Your lymphoma nurse was smart to suggest the GP route for speed, but your haematologist needs to be in the loop immediately given your new symptoms.

---

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.