Low WBC

Is it normal to still have a low WBC one year after chemo completion? I am trying not to worry before my repeat blood work in  two weeks

Comments

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,368 Member
    edited January 2017 #2
    1000shoes, I can't answer

    1000shoes, I can't answer that as everyone is different, but did you have a low WBC before chemo?  I can't say I would know what my numbers were before all this so ask the doctor/office what you can do to maybe help bump it up.  Throughout treatment I was told to "push the protein" and I am sure, like many of us, who have watched what you are eating.  

    Hopefully one of the other ladies can be of more help.

    BTW, "welcome".  I see you just joined us but sounds like you have already been through all the treatments by now.  Sorry you have had to find us, but you are among friends here. 

  • LorettaMarshall
    LorettaMarshall Member Posts: 662 Member
    1000shoes~Neutropenia~B sure your Dr. tests for possible causes

     Hi “1000shoes”

     Interesting name – I’m old enough to remember Imelda Marcos who was known for having so many shoes.  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2207353/Imelda-Marcos-legendary-3-000-plus-shoe-collection-destroyed-termites-floods-neglect.html

     I’m actually in the process of emptying my closet of shoes with very high heels.  They were “sexy and chique” at age 40, but not so much so at age 77.  And like so much other “stuff”, it’s just “stuff” once you’ve had a cancer diagnosis.  That’s my opinion.  I don’t need to subject myself to falls and twisted ankles.  And besides just how chique is it when you have to use a cane with high heels?  “For me chique canes are safer than HIGH heels and they come in beautiful colors! 

     But as for your question as to why you would have a low white blood cell count a year after you’ve completed chemotherapy, I would offer some sites below that might give you a hint as to what your low WBC might mean.  Now try not to diagnose yourself before the time.  That will only lend to worry.  Worry is a constant foe in our cancer world.  It’s bad enough to deal with what we do know, and even worse to be constantly in fear of the unknown “what-ifs”.  I read recently that “worry is the down payment on a debt that is not yet due!”  Yes, it’s difficult to not borrow trouble from tomorrow.  I’m sure we all have to “work on that daily.”  But there are possible explanations for a condition known as Neutropenia.  Links are below.  Just be sure you truly trust your doctor to know the possibilities and test you for them.

     Loretta

     Peritoneal Carcinomatosis/Ovarian Cancer Stage IV

     _____________________________________________________________

    1.   http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/neutropenia/basics/definition/sym-20050854
    2.  http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/side-effects/neutropenia

    3.  http://www.healthline.com/health/neutropenia#Causes4

    4.  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/leukopenias/neutropenia

    5.  http://www.neutropenia.ca/about/what-is-neutropenia

    _______________________End of references_____________________

      

  • azgrandma
    azgrandma Member Posts: 609 Member
    still have trouble ; 7 years later

    it hasbeen 7 years post chemo and I still have blood issues they area almost normal now