Low blood counts
Chemotherapy can reduce the number of blood cells available to fight infection, carry oxygen, or help blood clot. These cells turn over rapidly in the blood stream and must be replaced by the bone marrow. Chemo can suppress blood cell production in the bone marrow which leads to low blood counts (myelosuppression).
Before each chemotherapy treatment, a sample of blood is drawn to determine whether blood counts are normal. If they are low, chemo may be postponed or the dose reduced. In some situations, medication is given to raise counts or a blood transfusion may be required. Chemotherapy can affect:
- Red blood cells: anemia
- Platelets: thrombocytopenia
- White blood cells: neutropenia
Where Can You Go for More Information
The Oncology Nursing Society publishes Right on Time, a helpful booklet for patients explaining changes in blood counts during chemotherapy, how to manage them medically, and how patients can cope when their counts are low. No longer available in printed form, it can be downloaded for reading or printing. The booklet also contains a Patient Journal that is helpful to keep track of symptoms for discussion with doctors or oncology nurses.
Last Update: April 22, 2008
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