Low red cell counts after chemo

Hi, I am a year out and still have a low red cell count. However, I also had a lobectomy and radiation as well as chemo. My last radiation was in Feb 2024.

My doctor tells me it is normal.

Thanks for your reply. I feel like I'm not alone. Mine is causing breathing problems when walking. My doctor is acting like this is the first time seeing it. In between the chemo I had about six blood transfusions which brought the count up but the next week I had chemo which of course brought it down. Thanks again for the reply and the best of luck to you!

Thanks- you too.

Mine was low for a couple of years. When finished with all treatment I required a transfusion. I received two units of blood. The next 2.5 years I didn't get a single mosquito bite. Including while traveling and camping in Florida next to a river. The mosquitoes drove my family into the camper. Not a single one landed on me.

Recently, I learned that the reason was because of my low blood count. Never fear though, I am back to being their favorite all you can eat diner. Thank goodness for DEET.

Thanks so much for your reply. I'm glad you are doing much better. I live in Florida and know how bad those mosquitos can be. I'll have to try DEET.

Yes, it took my husband several months off chemo for his blood counts to start increasing.

Debbie, I'm so sorry. I wasn't very clear. For the first couple years after treatment I didn't get any mosquito bites which seemed odd because I am usually the one getting bit the most.

Later I learned that they sense or smell the blood somehow and because my red blood count was low they pretty much ignored me. Now that my red blood cell count is back up, they find me again. I use the DEET to keep them away.

It’s been 15 months since my last chemoradiotherapy. My labs are still not normal. Bodies recover at their own rate. Good luck, I hope your rate is quickly.❤️

Thanks so much for the reply. It's always nice to know I'm not the only one.

Thanks so much for your reply. I do agree with you that we all recover differently. Good luck with your labs. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before everything is back to normal.