Low White Blood Cell Count - Over Two Years Out?

azs40 · February 2011

Hey everyone...SO, I had a regular physical with my primary care doc last month and he mentioned that my white blood cell count was a little low (then proceeded to ask me, "When's your next visit to your oncologist...?"). At my six-month check-up with my onc. this week, I mentioned this and that I had spent the past month worrying about what a low white blood cell count meant. My onc told me that I was a little low (3.8-ish as compared to a normal 4.0 or above, I think, but don't quote me completely), but it was nothing to be concerned about and that a lot of times, wbc counts take a long time to recover and some never do. I should note that after every round of TAC (which I had six of), I was neutropenic, so chemo totally wiped me out. But, you know, still... Has anyone out there had/have this and/or heard about it? I finished chemo two years ago this month.

BTW - as a side note, I didn't think I'd get a Zometa infusion this time due to the recent stuff out there about it (I've had two infusions already), but onc. said that there's still a benefit for post-menopausal women (I went into chemopause, but also had my ovaries out last year), and that we would continue. Just thought I'd share that because I know many of us were/are wondering what the deal was.

Please chime in about the white blood cell count issue. I'm sort of mad at myself for letting an overall good check-up be clouded by this issue... Frown

clariceak · February 2011

I have heard that low wbc long after chemois quite common, but I'm sure someone will come along with more information.

Thanks for the info on zometa. That's helpful. I went into chemopause and will have my ovaries yanked out next week.

Gitane · February 2011

Before treatment my WBC was usually 7.5-8.0. After treatment it stayed at 3.5-4.5 for 3 years, then crept back up to 4.5-5.5. It stays about there now, 5 years out. I guess it has never recovered from treatment.

Zometa infusions were continued for me, also. However, I'm postmenopausal and was when I went through treatment.

Sounds like your onc visit was good. I understand about the worry, though. I do it, too.

jenni__ca · February 2011

over 6 years out and my WBC runs 3.2 to 3.8 ..... normal is over 4.0 at my lab

interesting my onc is also a hematologist

LRM216 · February 2011

Just a little trivia here - but almost ALL oncologists are hemotologists too.

cp418 · February 2011

I'm 4 years out and still cannot get my WBC up over 4.0. Take lots of supplements, eat healthy and mostly organic. VERY frustrating. I always get very nervous around Flu season or near people who are sick, etc afraid to catch anything.... Yes, got Zometa #5 and one more to go in August.

LizM · February 2011

I am also one whose WBC count has not been normal since chemo 5 years ago. It stays in the mid 3 range. Last time was 3.3. I also was told it may be my new normal. I wouldn't worry about it. Like Sherry G. I have fluctuating numbers when I get my bloodwork, some higher and some lower than normal. I hate getting my bloodwork done because I am always worrying about something. Right now it is my LFT's that are minimally elevated and also my cholesterol has gone up 40 points since the last time I had it checked. I blame both my LFT's and cholesterol on Femara and my low WBC's on chemo.

Annaanne · February 2011

I'm another -- WBC never rebounded. I just looked and it's 3.7, but on my sheet is state 3.8 as the low end of normal, so you made it according to my lab!

I'm 5 and a half years from chemo and my onc says it's not a problem.

Annaanne

Tamara67646 · February 2011

I also had 6 tx of TAC and 2 years out from chemo still have low WBC. I don't know how the math works - but I guess there are several individual counts that then total up to a total WBC - my individual counts for neutrphils (sp?) are within normal range so he isn't worried about me being vulnerble to infection - I am not "neutopenic" but the overall score is slightly below normal. Interesting to note as well - in the almost 2 1/2 years since I have finished chemo, I haven't had a cold, flu or any other type of infection - I work in a retail environment and my husband works with children so I have to think I have been exposed to alot of germs - but my immune system seems healthy even with the low WBC.

lkc · February 2011

add me to the list. Since chemo my WBCs are always below " normal'

shells43 · February 2011

Thanks for starting this topic! I just had my first post-chemo visit with my GP and my WBC's were 2.5! He mentioned they were low but did not seem concerned. How low is dangerous? I am concerned, however, because 2.5 is lower than any time during chemo. It has been higher at my followups with the Onc. Could it be a difference in the lab? Should I get tested again? I see my onc again in March.