low wbc and reduced rbc 6 months after radiation thera[y

[paddy357]

Before undergoing radiation therapy I had all the scans and mri's then a mod radical mastectomy.  I started radiation therapy to left lymphnodes in Dec.o7, 2 months after surgery.  During the radiation therapy I also had bone density studies and spinal x-rays for the need for fosamax.  Completed radiation therapy in Feb., 08.  Had nuclear stress study in May for cardiac outcomes for shortness of breath, also echocardiogram and carotid studies.  I am taking Femara, Cardivolol, Maxzide, Fosamax plus vitamins and minerals.  My WBC in Feb. 2008 was 5.3.  The RBC was 4.15.  This month, Aug. the WBC was 3.8 and the RBC was down to 14.1.  Could this all be because of the accumulation of radiation from all the tests plus the 33 treatments?

[PaulMD]

Hi.

While the aim of therapeutic and diagnostic radiation is good and noble, there can indeed be side effects to the body especially to the bone marrow which forms or produces the blood components such as the white blood cells and red blood cells.  What you are experiencing may be the manifestation of such.

The bone marrow can likewise be suppressed if you received previous chemotherapy for your breast cancer.

Another possibility is that of tumor infiltration of the bone marrow by malignant cells.

I believe this would warrant evaluation by a hematologist, and probably have your bone marrow examined.

Regards.