Blood is made up of cells and fluid. There are three major types of blood cells in the blood. These blood cells are made in the bone marrow. They are called red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

The word “counts” refers to the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your body.

Red Blood: Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The part of the red blood cell that carries the oxygen is called hemoglobin (Hgb). When your red blood cell (hemoglobin) count is low, parts of your body do not get enough oxygen to do their work. This condition is called anemia and can make you feel very tired.

Platelets: Platelets help make blood clot (stop bleeding). When your platelet count goes down you may bruise and bleed more easily and for a longer time. A low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia.

White Blood Cells: White blood cells help to protect your body from infection. The body protects itself against the constant threat of infection by making a lot of neutrophils. If your neutrophil count is low, there is a greater chance you might develop an infection. Neutropenia is a word used to describe a low neutrophil count.

Blood Test Monitoring

Blood tests are taken regularly to monitor your blood cell counts.

• If your hemoglobin level falls below 80-90 you may be given a red blood cell transfusion.
• If your platelet level is very low (usually below 20) platelets may be given by an intravenous infusion (IV).
• If your ANC is below 1 you have a greater chance of getting an infection.
• An ANC of 0.5 or less means even greater care will have to be taken to decrease your risk of infection.
• If you ANC is very low, your cancer treatment may be postponed until a later date.
  

Impact of Chemotherapy

You are being (or will be) given anticancer drugs called chemotherapy. Most cancer cells grow and divide very quickly. Chemotherapy drugs work by acting mainly on quickly dividing cells. Unfortunately chemotherapy drugs can’t tell the difference between cancer cells and normal cells that also divide quickly.

Normal cells most frequently affected:

• Cells that grow hair.
• Cells in your mouth, down into your stomach and in your intestine (your gastrointestinal tract).
• Cells of the reproductive system.
• Cells inside your bones (bone marrow) that produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
  

Time frames for blood counts:

• Your ‘counts’ drop within 7-10 days after your chemotherapy is given.
• They may remain low for 2-3 weeks.
• After this time, counts will begin to recover.

Sometimes, if your blood counts are too low, your chemotherapy treatment will be postponed until a later date. Remember: This is a general rule and your case and blood counts may not follow this exactly.

Summary

• Some people like to know when and how their counts are changing. The nurse can record them on a sheet for you to keep. Other people do not wish to know about their counts.
• Let your nurse know whether or not you want the information and if you would like it written down.
• Gradually resume normal activities as you recover from chemotherapy.
• If you have concerns or questions about your counts at any time ask your nurse or doctor.

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