What could low Red Blood Cell Counts mean?

jener8er · 10-11-2006, 01:03 PM

Hi Natalie! I constantly have low RBC, at my last Herceptin tx it had dropped to 10.4 from 11.7 3 weeks before - a bit confusing to my Doc. I can't tolerate oral Iron supplements so I get IV iron when I get my Herceptin. My doc is even more confused as I got the iron 3 weeks before this latest test result of 10.4. I had endomentrial ablation as my periods were really heavy, but I know you don't have that problem. Hmmmm... maybe it's because you haven't eaten any spinach lately! I would take the supplements and get it re-checked in about a month. I really don't think it's related to cancer at all (I'm hoping not for both of us!).
Hang in there, and I'm really glad your tumor markers were nice and low.
Jen

tousled1 · 10-11-2006, 01:39 PM

During chemo I had consistently low red and white blood cell counts. I am now only on Herceptin and continue to have low red blood cell counts. I get my Procrit shot just about every week. My oncologist said that sometimes it takes months for your counts to get back to normal. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Hopeful · 10-11-2006, 02:27 PM

When I signed the consents at my onc for Herceptin tx, it stated that low rbc, low wbc and low platelets were all potential side effects from Herceptin. Could be a side effect of your tx. Good luck to you.

Hopeful

Sandy H · 10-11-2006, 07:17 PM

When my iron count is down that is how I feel. I try to eat lots of beets, green leafy vegies, and nuts and I would feel better in a day or so. I do not take the procrit shots its a personal reason of mine. You may want to research taking the iron supplement as I have read it maybe bad for the liver in us cancer patients. I don't have time to look it up tonight but I have stayed away from taking this supplement. Also my supplement consultant advised against it. hugs, Sandy

Bev · 10-11-2006, 08:16 PM

Natalie,

This is interesting. Before dx I always had low RBC to the point of almost blacking out. I had crime scene periods. I finally started doing my iron religously about a year before dx. Since chemopause and during chemo my RBCs are normal. On one hand I think iron may help tumors grow but on the other maybe the anemia is a symptom of something else. You can only do what the doc has told you to do at this point. I think this could be something interesting for further study. When I mention it to docs I get a real blank stare. Hang onto all those good results and be happy for now. BB