Connect
Radiation was completed 3 weeks ago. Low White Blood Cells
My husband completed his radiation 3 . 5 weeks ago. He had a blood test last week. He has very low white blood count, Low Red blood cell count, High MCV (which I understand to be a change in the size of the red blood cells), Low Hematocrit which means too few red blood cells, Low Lymphocytes, High phosphate. His PSA and Testosterone levels are lower than .2 The medical oncologist is pleased with the PSA. I am very concerned about the red and white blood cells. She said it is probably due to the radiation. How can we remedy that. I saw one note online which said insufficient recovery of levels of Lymphocytes can result in a worsened survival rate.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Connect
Will be watching this thread. Leaving in 20 minutes for fiducial markers. Radiation starts in a couple weeks (at least my prostate will be the most valuable organ/gland in my body😁)
Best wishes to you and Mr. Dawg.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsBest Wishes to you. God Bless.
You can ask about Neulasta to help the white cells recover.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you so much. Is that a prescription that the doctor would have to administer?
Radiation can mess with your white blood cell and red blood cell counts, They should recover over time and it shouldn’t take too long. My Red blood cell count (3.84) has been low for a long time due to the ADT and ARSI drugs. That’s not low enough to cause anemia. The other things you should be concerned with is the Hemoglobin and platelets. My hemoglobin(11.7) has been low for a couple of years like my RBC, but it has to be lower than that to be a problem.
My white blood cell count and platelets have been normal for a long time. Yours should come back to normal range as well If they are low now.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsYes, a physician has to prescribe this drug. It is often the oncologist who ordered the chemo who prescribes it, but it can be another provider. Here is a brief description of the generic medication from the Mayo web site:
Pegfilgrastim injection is used to treat neutropenia (low white blood cells) that is caused by cancer medicines. It is a synthetic (man-made) form of a substance that is naturally produced in your body called a colony stimulating factor. Pegfilgrastim helps the bone marrow to make new white blood cells.
When certain cancer medicines are used to fight cancer cells, they also affect the white blood cells that fight infections. Pegfilgrastim is used to reduce the risk of infection while you are being treated with cancer medicines. It is also used to improve survival in cancer patients who have been exposed to radiation.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThank you for all that information. It is so helpful.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMy numbers were also lower in all categories - and I could feel it too.
Pelvic radiation has the greatest effect on marrow - more than any other part of the body. I would wait 6 months before you jump to do anything.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you for your input. I really appreciate it.
Glenda
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction