Post chemo Low WBC

Stamptwin · September 2019

I finished chemo for Stage III A ER +, HER -, in January 1017. Five weeks ago, friends noticed weird bruising on the back of my legs after a two day road trip. GP ordered blood tests, and result was low WBCS. I was shocked and freaked out. I don't normally freak out. A diagnosis of breast cancer did not phase me but this did because of the complications I experienced during treatment. I am a Postpartum RN, was working, went to the ER (it was after hours). On call oncologist said definitely needed follow up and investigation to cause. My oncologist gave me plan of care the next day including this is a normal event post chemo (never heard this before, and reason why I am writing this post) to may need a bone marrow biopsy. May brain was going crazy. Second round of blood test included testing for autoimmune, vitamin deficiency, hepatitis etc. everything normal. Outcome slight improvement in WBCs, retest in one month.

Now, WBCs still low manual differential shows weird shaped red and white cells.

Has anyone gone through this before? I'm feeling uncomfortable and information is inconclusive. I see my doctor on 9/10.

Thanks

Sh

Moderators · September 2019

Hi Stamptwin!

We're sorry we don't have any answers for you, and that no one's been by yet to weigh in. It's a little quiet around here on the weekends. Someone will surely be by soon!

Please keep us posted with what you end up finding out -- we'll be sending good thoughts your way!

--The Mods

CBK · September 2019

I have written before on this thread and yes my WBC is still low from treatment that ended in December 2017. I had a battery of bloodwork to rule out any issues-all negative.

But my WBC never recovered into normal range PFC... it was always low !

The hematologist that ordered bloodwork mentioned the bone marrow biopsy but suggested that would be over the top. He said because I wasn’t symptomatic in any way it would not be necessary. Point blank, my low WBC may be my “new normal” - hate that term but for lack of better words that’s it ! It is a “normal” post-chemo for more than a few of us!!! I have not been sick with any colds or flus post-chemo or infections-Knock Wood!!

I experienced some strange bruising as well early post chemo.

ruthbru · September 2019

My platelets never bounced back & always run right below the 'normal' range. My oncologist/hemotologist wanted me to get blood work twice a year; but since they've never budged one way or the other in 12 years, I question as to whether that is still necessary. I don't have any other problems (other than to bruise more easily), so I also just think this is what 'normal' looks like to me.

ksusan · September 2019

My WBC was weird until about a year out from chemo.

santabarbarian · September 2019

My blood values are all in normal ranges but maybe they are still low for my personal set points...? I feel very sleepy and need a lot of sleep and downtime. I feel well, no pain, and I have good energy in terms of doing my normal level of exercise/ my wind is fine, but my sleep-need is enormous. Anyone else have that?

Legomaster225 · September 2019

My WBC and platelets hover just below or at low normal. Chemo ended June 2017.MO is not really concerned as long as the neutrophils are ok. He did say it may never get back to where it was. I do not have any symptoms though.

Stamptwin · September 2019

Thanks to all who have replied. I feel reassured that the outcome will be ok and this is my new normal. To Santabarbarian I love at least 9-9 1/2 hours of sleep per night.

CBK · September 2019

Yes Santabarbarian-

I sleep ridiculous amounts despite being active all day. And occasionally I will hit a wall during the day around Mid afternoon . Funny thing if I can muster up the energy and hit the gym for some weightraining I get back some steam.

I blame it on the Arimidex and surgical menopause. But I blame everything on that, so who knows!

Does anyone take anything to naturally boost WBC supplement wise?

santabarbarian · September 2019

Astralagus was recommended to me on this forum.... I have been taking that for a few weeks; so we'll see how my WBCs do....

CBK · September 2019

Thanks Santabarian

For ER + gals. Astragalus not good.

Hope it brings healing to you!

Lilsuzq · September 2019

Hi all,

I am in the same situation. I finished chemo October of 2017 and my WBC is still low - it's just not bouncing back. My MO did a bone marrow biopsy yesterday because he said "he doesn't want to miss anything". I am wondering if this is my 'new normal' as CBK mentioned. I am trying to to stress about it. I am feeling good otherwise - no symptoms of anything bad. I have been reading about MDS and AML - which I am hopeful it's not either of these issues.

Stamptwin - you mentioned you were seeing your doctor on 9/10 - how did that go?

Thank you for your help and support,

lilsuzq

Stamptwin · September 2019

Hi All,

Thanks lilsuzq to remind remind me to post an update. My blood work is still partly an issue. My hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets are all back in the normal range. But the morphology on some of them is weird. Red cells are suppose to be disc shaped to carry oxygen to the body. I have some that are spherical (few), oval, smaller and larger than normal. All from what I understand this is a bone marrow that is not working well. If there is someone out there who has more information on this and wants to correct me please do.

White blood cells are a bit lower than a month ago. I’m to stay away from places and situations that may cause me to get sick. I’m presently running a low grade temp 😕 from a cold my husband brought home

The plan is to do monthly blood tests for 3-4 months. If no improvement, spleen ultrasound and probable bone marrow biopsy.

The good news would be something called long term bone marrow suppression which can be temporary or permanent. I told the oncologist that I never heard of this in any of the classes I attended before initiating chemo and radiation. Wouldn’t have been quite so shocked when this happened. No one knows why, and the oncologist I saw (couldn’t see my regular d/t a schedule conflict) didn’t know what my weird blood cells meant. Getting ready to request a hematologist if there is no improvement next month.

Blessings to you all,

She

sammi2006 · April 2020

I am in a similar situation. I finished chemo in feb 2018 and my wbcs were 3.4 in January it my neutrophils were fine per my dr. But a week and a half ago my wbcs were about 3.5 and anc is 1.5 and he has said he doesn’t want me working in the hospital. I have an apt on 4/16 and hope my anc goes up

MinusTwo · April 2020

I know this is an older thread, so I just skimmed. But I find it odd that I didn't see any discussion about Neulasta. I had a Neulasta shot to prevent low WBC 24 hours after every chemo infusion. It worked.

Stamptwin · April 2020

Three and a half years after completing chemo/radiation, My low CBC and white count was the first sign that something was potentially wrong. Just this past week, I was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This is a secondary cancer of the bone marrow due to previous chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I am in the high risk category for developing acute leukemia. This is a terminal condition. Push for having a CBC every year so that you can catch problems early. This was caught early but is rapidly progressing. You are the only one who can advocate for yourself. Initially my oncologist was dismissive and responded that this is normal for unknown reasons except the chemo/radiation therapy. After 3 months of monthly CBC’s, she did a bone marrow biopsy which was negative. Three months later I am diagnosed with this very rare complication.

Post chemo Low WBC

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