Leukopenia ( low white blood count)

Hello @finsmom2018,

I’d like to bring in @virginiaj @ulalume @bradmm @ecbacm who have shared some of their experiences with leukopenia that I think you’ll find helpful. Since eukopenia is almost always related to a decrease in a certain type of white blood cell (neutrophil), and the term is often used interchangeably with neutropenia, ( https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-white-blood-cell-count/basics/definition/sym-20050615), I’m also tagging @81ue @shammer @kaytieg and @marcie555 as they’ve discussed it in previous posts and may be able to offer some more information regarding their experiences.

@finsmom2018, could you share a few more details about yourself? May I ask if you’ve been diagnosed with any other blood cell and bone marrow conditions?

Hi, I have had leukopenia (neutropenia) for about 16+years. In the beginning, I had a bone marrow test. The result was that I was making normal white blood cells, but “something” was destroying some of them. For awhile, a hematologist tested them biweekly, then monthly, then every 3 months. For the past 15 years, my Internal Medicine doc tests them every 6 months. They remain stabile. The lowest they have been is 2.0, the highest is 3.2. The low cells have not affected me at all in my daily life. I care for sick grandkids, travel, etc. My colds don’t seem to last longer than other people’s. Other than hand washing a lot, I don’t do anything extraordinary to avoid getting sick. I am a retired dietitian and did a lot of research in diet and white blood cells.. A healthy diet helps in many ways and I try to eat pretty healthy, but haven’t found evidence, either personal or in the literature that it can raise WBC. I did find one interesting thing. There is an autoimmune leukopenia (can’t remember the name of it). The low white cells started at about the same time as my first bout of PMR, which may also be autoimmune. No doctor has ever felt this was related. At this point, I rarely think about it, except when I get my blood counts done.

If only I could get up to 3.2 that would make me happy. In November it was .9 it has slowly risen to 2.4 but has stayed stagnant for the last 3 weeks I to have been eating healthy I get Vit B12 shots; nothing that I have done seems to work a chemo friend of mine suggested I go for acupuncture so I'm willing to try anything. My sister who is a nurse tells me that is something I should not do but I'm going to give it a try anyway.

Green tea is something I can't have d/t the caffeine as I'm allergic to that and many other things. I do eat healthy lots of veg& fruit and of course I do eat my protein

My family has had good results in this area through intravenous vitamin c. There are numerous studies that suggest that IV C can help the body's hematopoietic function. Here's one case study:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6070822/

<p>I would like some advice on leukopenia I have been suffering with it for 5 months- had chemo & radiation last in May. should I go to Rochester/ or Phoenix and be seen by one off their doctors??</p>

@finsmom2018 as you may already know, Mayo Clinic medical teams work together. That means whether you go to Mayo Clinic in Rochester or in Phoenix, you will have access to the same expertise and level of care. Your choice may rely more on which location is more convenient for you, accommodation, etc. and availability of appointments.

Here is the contact information for all 3 Mayo locations. I recommend calling and asking your questions to the appointment staff. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

<p>I'm a patient at mayo clinic and I get tested every 6 mos to monitor my MGUS. My IGM white cells are at a low 15...(i believe thats the lowest allowed). IGM'S are said to be the main white blood cell to fight infection. I last took my bloodwork last month, and haven't heard back if this is a concern. Previously as it has been dropping, I was told it was being crowded out out by unhealthy cells. Im verrrrry exhausted, and look like i have two black eyes. Thankfully no further progression in MGUS...thats all I know. I wasn't able to see my oncologist after my bloodwork so I really don't know what they think about this.</p>

Yes my white blood count is always low and so is my red blood count. I have a doctors appointment Friday for my lab results. Medications can make your white blood count and I do have a med that can lower your white blood count. If you are on meds check all your meds online

Hi @dazlin, you'll notice that I moved your message to this existing discussion about low white blood cell counts in the Blood Cancers group. I did this so you can connect with others like @1nan @kjjjrader @finsmom2018 @virginiaj who have also experienced low white blood cell counts.

@dazlin, are you currently on any treatment for MGUS? Have you considered posting a question to your oncologist or hematologist in Mayo's patient portal to see what you can do?