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chemo and low blood counts

judy22
judy22 CSN Member Posts: 117 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had a chemo treatment Wed. They weren't sure if I could take it. My counts were low. Does anyone know what they are suppose to be. I guess thats why I'm so tired. Judy
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Comments

  • pippi
    pippi CSN Member Posts: 51
    #2
    Hi Judy
    The normal is about 7 but on chemo it goes down. Your red blood countwill be low and that will make u tired. Also your white cell count-the one that fights infections will be low STAY AWAY FROM CROWDS AND PEOPLE WITH INFECTIONS If you pick up a bug they will put you in hospital. Ask your doctor if you can take anything to help. I took spirulina and that seemed to help. Godd luck
    pippi
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  • judy22
    judy22 CSN Member Posts: 117 Member
    #3
    pippi said:

    Hi Judy
    The normal is about 7 but on chemo it goes down. Your red blood countwill be low and that will make u tired. Also your white cell count-the one that fights infections will be low STAY AWAY FROM CROWDS AND PEOPLE WITH INFECTIONS If you pick up a bug they will put you in hospital. Ask your doctor if you can take anything to help. I took spirulina and that seemed to help. Godd luck
    pippi

    I have never heard of spirulina. Can you tell me what that is? Thanks
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  • karbear
    karbear CSN Member Posts: 163
    #4
    Judy, I'm not sur what the counts are suppose to be but mine also went down the first chemo and then after the oncologist had me take shots seven days after each chemo for the white blood cells and before chemo for the red blood cells,procrit shot,,i won't forget that one,,ouch!!!!!!! That is why you would be tired too, chemo really whips ya out. I will keep you in my prayers and Best of Luck to you. Remember to remain strong and positive!! karin
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  • bdean
    bdean CSN Member Posts: 259 *
    #5
    Dear Judy:
    I always ask for a copy of my CBC (complete blood count) and I can see for myself how low my counts are. Each part of the bloodwork is listed along with what numbers are considered normal range. You have the - red blood count, the white blood count; and the platelets. As I understand the patients rights bill - you have a right to see your results, and they are obligated to give it to you. Good luck and may God bless you.
    Brenda
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  • hagelgans
    hagelgans CSN Member Posts: 18
    #6
    Hi Judy, don't you get shots after chemo to build up your white count? Of course, even with the shots, your count can still be low. Normal white count is 4,000 - 11,000.
    Because of a stem cell transplant, my white count will always be low. I never make it to the 4,000 mark. Stress of having cancer will make you tired in itself!
    Melody
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  • hagelgans
    hagelgans CSN Member Posts: 18
    #7
    Hi Judy, don't you get shots after chemo to build up your white count? Of course, even with the shots, your count can still be low. Normal white count is 4,000 - 11,000.
    Because of a stem cell transplant, my white count will always be low. I never make it to the 4,000 mark. Stress of having cancer will make you tired in itself!
    Melody (Hagelgans)
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