Does Radiation Therapy Cause to lower Hb and Platelete

[Afroza]

After my BCS and three Cycles of Chemo, I am on Radiotherapy now. The plan is 25 Fractions @ 1.8 Gy /fraction/day, 5 times a week. I finished about 12 of them. Last week my CBC and Platelete Count showed lowering of Hb(From 11.7-10.5) and Platelete(From 350,000 to 250,000). Since I have to go for another 13 Fractions and then one fraction of 10 Gy of booster dose with HDR Implant, I am concerned about lowering of my Hb and Platelete. I have also slight itching in my arms and legs with small rashes. Please advise.

[Afroza]

The itching is gone now, and it appears, it came for other reason.I had my last chemo of the first three cycles on May 17, 2002. The rest three cycles are to be taken after finishing Radiotherapy, which I am taking now. My CBC and Platelet are also being checked every Monday.It appears Annied & myself having similar side effects. Please comment.

[annied]

When I went through breast radiation 5 years ago, CBC/differential were checked once a week. And I remember they got lower each week.The WBC count on 7/30 was 4.8. On 8/13 it was 3.7. I remember how fatigued I felt by week 3.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Afroza:  Radiation therapy is a local therapy.  Side effects, with the exception of fatigue, are related to the field of radiation therapy.  Blood counts are rarely affected by radiation therapy to the breast.  Effects of radiation therapy on blood counts usually relates to radiation therapy directed to large marrow-producing bones.  Depending on the length of time that has passed since your chemo, it is possible that this may explain your blood counts.  You should mention your itching and rash to your doctor, it is unlikely to be related to the radiation therapy.