As part of my treatment plan, I have Complete Blood Count (CBC) done twice a week. One is done on Monday for review by the gyn-oncologist for the go-ahead for Wednesday’s chemo. The other is done post-chemo for the review by radiologist oncologist.
The lab runs like a deli meat counter. Arrive, get your number, sit, number is called, get served. The technicians are great. In & out in a matter of minutes, hardly feel a thing. Great attitude, friendly conversation.
The frequency of the blood tests allows for monitoring of the two treatments impact.. The chemo, Cisplatin’s side effects include lowering of white and red blood cells. As external radiation continues to impact the hips and bone marrow, it will provide a compound affect.
Here is how I am tracking on a few of the factors, including normal range and my numbers at the start of week 4.
- White blood cells or leukocytes, which fight infection. Normal range is 4-11.0. Mine have been 9.2, 8.1, 6.4.
- Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Normal range is 115-165. Mine has been 146, 141, 138.
- Neutrophils also fight off infection, particularly those caused by bacteria and fungi. Normal range is 2-7.5. Mine has been 6.4, 5.8, 5.0.
- Platelets, which help with blood clotting. Normal range is 150-400. Mine have been 211, 160, 168
If the numbers dropped significantly, then chemo would be postponed or dropped, so radiation could continue. Thankfully, that has not happened, which allows us to keep moving forward for the 1-2 punch.
