Your Blood Counts...In Cancer.

A Guide to Understanding How Blood Counts Are Measured and What They Mean

What does blood tell a doctor?

Blood can tell a lot about what is happening in the body. Blood is made up of 3 kinds of cells. These cells are made inside of your bones.

Some cancer treatments lower the amount of blood your bones make. Or lower the amount of certain cells in your blood. Sometimes illness will raise the amount of certain cells in your blood.

Not all cancer treatments are the same. Ask your doctor or nurse to tell you if your cancer treatment might affect your blood.

What are blood counts?

Your doctor or nurse will take samples of your blood. They will look at the samples in the lab. And measure the different cells in your blood. These measures are called blood counts.

Blood counts measure how many white and red cells are in your blood. They measure how many platelets you have.

How can cancer treatments affect blood counts?

Some cancer treatments work by killing cancer cells. But they can also hurt healthy cells. Including blood cells. Some treatments stop the bones from making blood cells. And blood counts drop. When you have less than your body needs, you have a low blood count.

Are low blood counts normal during cancer treatments?

Low blood counts are common during treatment. Your health care team will follow your blood counts closely. They will let you know how often they will test your blood count.

If you have questions about your blood count, ask your doctor or nurse.

White blood cells

What are white blood cells and why are they important?

White blood cells (WBCs) help your body detect and fight off illness and infections.

What is a WBC count?

This is how many WBCs you have in your blood. A normal WBC count is about 5,000 to 10,000 WBCs. And that’s in one drop of blood. There are many kinds of WBCs. Each kind has its own special job. They all help fight off infections.

Does chemotherapy (“chemo”) affect WBCs?

Yes. Most chemo drugs cause the WBC count to drop. It returns to normal once treatment ends.

Does radiation therapy affect WBCs?

It can. Taking radiation and chemo at the same time may make your WBC count drop more quickly.

What does it mean if my WBC is high?

White blood cells fight infection. If the count is high it may mean that you have an infection. And your body is trying to fight it. Your doctor will tell you if you have an infection. And what to do to get well.

What does it mean if my WBC count is low?

A low WBC count makes it hard for your body to fight infection. This means your risk of getting sick is greater.

These may be signs of infection. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these signs. They may occur around a wound, sore, or pimple. Or, where a catheter is placed.

What can I do to prevent infection if my WBC count is low?

Protect yourself against infection. Take these special steps:

· Guard against outside sources of germs

Stay away from people who are sick. People with colds or the flu. Ask those around you to wash their hands often. Do not clean cat litter boxes, birdcages, or fish tanks. Ask others to do that for you.

· Stay as clean as you can

Wash your hands often. Use warm water and soap. Rinse your mouth out after meals. Brush your teeth after meals with an extra soft toothbrush. After urinating, always clean from front to back. For women: Do not douche (DOOSH).

· Prevent cuts and scratches

Use lotion to prevent dry, cracking skin. Wear gloves in the garden.

Can medicine help me if my WBC count drops?

Yes. There are medicines that raise WBC counts. They can also lower your risk of infection. They are injections. And they usually follow each round of chemo. They help stop your white blood cell count from falling too low. Or staying low. Talk with your doctor about what medicine may be right for you.

Your doctor may also want you to take other medicines. The goal is to fight off infection during treatment. Ask your doctor what medicines can help you.

Red blood cells

What are red blood cells and why are they important?

Red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen. They deliver it to your cells. This gives you energy.

What is a normal RBC count?

For most men, RBCs make up 4.5 to 6.0 million red cells per microliter of blood. For most women, they make up 4.0 to 5.0 million red cells per microliter of blood.

What does it mean if my RBC count is low?

When your RBC count is low, the organs in your body don’t get enough oxygen. This causes a condition called anemia.

Anemia can make you feel:

• Very tired
• Short of breath
• Dizzy (often when you stand up too quickly)
• Pounding in your head
• Racing heart

If you have any of these signs, be sure to tell your doctor.

Can chemo treatment cause anemia?

Yes. Anemia is a common side effect of many chemo drugs.

Does radiation treatment cause anemia?

It can. You may also be at risk for anemia if you have a lung or ovarian tumor. Or, if you had a low hemoglobin level before you had cancer.

What can I do about feeling tired if my RBC count is low?

Here are some tips that may help you feel better:

· Get enough rest

Take short rests during the day. Save your energy.

· Go slowly from one position to another

If you’ve been lying down, get up slowly. Sit for a few moments before standing.

· Eat foods rich in protein

There are many good sources of protein. Eat lean meat, chicken, and fish. Eat eggs, cheeses, beans, and nuts. Drinking milk is good, too.

Be sure to ask your doctor about other ways to add protein to your diet.

How is a low RBC count treated?

Your doctor can prescribe medicine. It can help your body make more RBCs.

Instead of medicine, your doctor may recommend a blood transfusion. This will give your body the extra RBCs it needs until your own cells can do the job.

Platelets

What are platelets and why are they important?

Platelets are the blood cells that help blood clot. Low platelets can cause you to bruise or bleed more easily.

What is a normal platelet count?

Most adults have 150,000 to 450,000 platelets in one tiny drop of blood.

Does chemo affect platelet counts?

Yes. A low platelet count is a common side effect of many chemo drugs.

Does radiation treatment affect platelet counts?

Yes. It can sometimes cause a low platelet count.

What can I do to prevent bleeding if my platelet count is low?

Take these steps to prevent bumps or injuries:

Be extra careful around sharp tools
Use an electric razor to shave. Do not use a straight razor. Be very careful in the kitchen. Especially with sharp knives or forks.

Be gentle with your nose and mouth
Blow your nose without force. Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth.

Eat right to soften bowel movements
Avoid becoming constipated. Also, drink plenty of fluids.

Ask your doctor if it’s okay to have sex
Sex may have to wait if your platelet count is very low. Ask your doctor. Avoiding sex will help prevent any internal bruising.

What will help me if my platelets are low?

Extra platelets can be added to your blood. They will help your blood to clot until your body can make enough platelets on its own. There may also be drugs that can help. Your doctor can tell you what approach is right for you.

Talk to your doctor or nurse

Doctors know if a treatment is likely to lower your blood counts. Ask if your treatments put you at risk. Find out how your WBC, RBC, and platelet counts might be affected. Ask how often your blood count will be measured.

Talk about ways that you can take care of yourself. Working with your health care team is important. It can help you stay active and feel better during your treatment.

Record of Blood Counts

SUU00237BY © 2010 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA/May 2010

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