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low white cells way after chemo?

by jayhorses, Nov 12, 2007 01:43PM
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?
Member Comments (12)

by mjcs, Nov 12, 2007 02:57PM
To: jayhorses
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

by Fernando Roque, MD, Nov 13, 2007 10:32AM
To: jayhorses
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.  

by jayhorses, Nov 13, 2007 11:03AM
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

by jayhorses, Nov 20, 2007 01:06AM
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

by sonu78, Nov 28, 2007 11:45AM
To: jayhorses
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.

by jayhorses, Nov 29, 2007 12:04AM
To: sonu78
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

by sonu78, Nov 29, 2007 12:11PM
To: JAYHORSES
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

by jayhorses, Nov 29, 2007 01:12PM
To: sonu78
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

by sonu78, Nov 30, 2007 09:40AM
To: jayhorses
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.

by jayhorses, Nov 30, 2007 08:20PM
To: sonu78
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

by sonu78, Dec 01, 2007 03:41AM
To: jayhorses
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).

by jayhorses, Dec 01, 2007 04:56PM
To: sonu78
ok thanks jay
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