Your Blood Counts During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy affects not only cancer cells but also healthy cells in your bone marrow, which make your blood cells. Because of this, your care team will monitor your blood counts regularly using a test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC). Keeping track of these numbers helps your provider make sure you are safe to continue treatment and helps prevent complications.
What Your Blood Counts Measure
White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Neutrophils
WBCs help your body fight infection. A type of WBC called a neutrophil is especially important. When this number drops too low (neutropenia), your body has a harder time fighting off bacteria, making infection more likely.
Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and Hemoglobin
RBCs carry oxygen throughout your body. Low levels (called anemia) can make you feel tired, weak, or short of breath because your tissues are not getting the oxygen they need.
Platelets
Platelets help your blood clot. Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) increase your risk of bruising, bleeding, or nosebleeds.
Symptoms of Low Blood Counts
Low Red Blood Cells (Anemia)
Low White Blood Cells (Neutropenia)
Low Platelets (Thrombocytopenia)
Why Monitoring Is Important
Monitoring your blood counts helps your care team:
How Low Blood Counts Are Managed
Your care team may recommend one or more of the following:
Growth factor injections
These medications help your bone marrow make more blood cells before levels become dangerously low.
Blood or platelet transfusions
Sometimes transfusions are needed to treat anemia or prevent bleeding when counts are very low.
Taking Extra Precautions
If your counts are low, you may need to: