Resolved question:
Hello,
I have talked with you before. I had breast cancer last year (lobular) and finished lots of chemotherapy in the beginning of August.
My white count bounced back to 3.6. But, recently it has been only 2.2. I have been taking antibiotics for cellulitis caused by my radiation of the chest. But, I've heard that the doxycycline couldn't lower the blood count that much.
Also, my neutrophils were up to 2.3, and now they have fallen to 1.3 in a 3 week period. I am taking aromasin. And again, I am taking doxycycline. Could any of this make a difference? I am really scared. I have not been sick. Maybe a little chilled sometimes. My red blood cells are finally up to normal, and so is my hemoglobin.
Also, my platelets are back to normal.
Do I have some terrible disease? How can my body fight the itc's in the bone marrow, if the white count (and therefore immune system) are so compromised?
Thank you
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Oncologist
Hello,
Thanks for your query at DoctorSpring.com again
The low counts are due to the effects of chemotherapy on bone marrow. As they recover slowly, it comes back to normal values.
What is the reason for cellulitis ?? Though doxycycline can have minimal effect on bone marrow, if you do not feel good with the drug, consult your physician to give you an alternate medicine for infection.
Would be happy to help you in case of any queries.
thank you. What about myelodyspastic syndrome (MDS)--could I have that? My white counts had been recovering and suddenly they are very low--as I said 1.3 for the neutrophils. But my red count and platelets seem o.k. What do you think--could I have this syndrome???
tp answer your question about the cellulitis, I got pretty burned by the radiation, ended up with some seromas and hematomas--the cellulitis may be involved with that.
Hello,
Thanks for getting back. MDS has a different clinical picture. It's not a possibility in your case. You don't need to worry. Your counts will come back gradually.
Thanks
Thank you so much. Just to calm me down, could you tell me how the clinical picture is different in MDS? Also, is it typical for white counts to BOUNCE around after chemo? I am 9 months from my last chemo. And during months 3 thru 8, my white count was 3.6. Now, suddenly it drops to 2.2 with 1.3 neutrophils. Is it typical for it to be unstable like that with chemo?
It will be pancytopenic picture unlike yours where only neutrophils are less.
It is because of prior chemo exposure and currently on doxycycline which may temporarily cause bone marrow depression.
Regards
thank you--one more thing my MCV is raised (100)--and that is supposed to be indicative of mds--do you think it is?
Such findings are common in temporary bone marrow depression.
It will come down.
I do not think it is MDS.
Regards.