low white cells way after chemo?

[jayhorses]

hi iam stage 3c/4 breast cancer survivor diagnosed11/05. 3 masses in rt breast and metastised to chest wall,18 positive lymph nodes. during all sugeries chemo and rdiation my white cells were excellent never wavering,now 15 mos after treatment they are steadily dropping any one else have this problem?

[mjcs]

Yes, I have this too.  My research seems to lead me to believe that chemo and radiation has damaged the bone marrow.
My onc said this IS my new normal..probably won't ever return to normal.
Let me know if you find out anything positive. I hope others will come along and add to the conversation.
MJ

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  I just want to clarify: have your white cell counts dropped below the normal values (you can check the normal values in your lab result), or have the counts decreased but are still within the normal range? If your white cell counts have gone well below normal, this may be a cause of concern and warrants a consult with your oncologist.

If your counts have only started decreasing 15 months after treatment, this is not likely due to toxicity from the chemotherapy or radiation.  

[jayhorses]

hi dean yes they are below normal just had blood drawn and go to onc in two days.my white cells were 7000-9000 all thru all chemo surgert and radietion. then about 6 mos after completing, they have steadily dropped every 3 mos when i get check ups also the neutrophils are nearly below norm and they have always been very high. my dr tends to brush off so i am trying to get info before appt on 11/14.thanks for the help.jay

[jayhorses]

hi i went to onc this week white were up a little just into normal,my onc still thinks it has to do with chemo or monopause my other bloodwork was ok except iron down. guess i will wait to see at next checkup.thx for help jay

[sonu78]

Hi,
Clarification put on your query,
You must have got an decreased WBC count secondary to chemotherapy.These drugs are notorious in causing bone marrow toxicity which can lead to conditions you have experienced.

[jayhorses]

hi thx for the help would this make me weak or low in stamina?also pain in my lower legs and arms?also does this mean my bone marrow is weak or may have cancer?thx jay

[sonu78]

Hi,
Bone marrow toxicity means the loss of function of the marrow cells. it is these marrow cells that transform into various blood cells - RBCs, White blood cells and platelets. White cells are the ones meant for war against foreign body(enemy)
But your previous posts say that you have started increasing blood counts. This points towards the marrow trying to recover from the onslaught of the chemo agents

[jayhorses]

if my marrow is trying to recover should i expect my wbc to continue to rise and get stronger? also does this affect my stamina? with increase of wbc will i feel better?also when i work harder and get exhausted could that weaken my wbc? thank you,jay

[sonu78]

Hi,
Yes u can expect your WBC to rise to certain level. Now these are the ones that can improve your immunity. When u mean stamina it can be physical strength which is not specifically related to WBC. working harder does have no influence on fall in WBC counts.

[jayhorses]

hi is there any diet that helps wbc good or bad? and thanks for your help but i still am not sure if there is anything i can do to improve the wbc?jay

[sonu78]

Hi,
Sorry as I could not suggest any specific diet for improving WBC.
There is an medication that can be used  to increas the WBC count. The drug which could be beneficial is the Granulocyte colony simulating factor(GM-CSF).

[jayhorses]

ok thanks jay