rmm17 Posted December 1, 2005 Share Posted December 1, 2005 What do white and red cell counts tell the oncologist? Why would they be too low or too high? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted December 1, 2005 Share Posted December 1, 2005 White blood cells fight infections. Red Blood cells carry oxygen to the cells. You need them bothe. Chemo is one reason they may be low. It affects them also because they are rapidly reproducing like cancer does. There is medicine that can boost their numbers up again. If low, you are tired, perhaps short of breath, and would have difficulty fighting an infection. If white blood cells are high usually it is because you are fighting an infection. If you are dehydrated they may seem high ( RBCs or WBC's ) because actually your fluid volume is too low, making them more concentrated. The Doctor needs to take a lot into consideration deciding what is going on. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmm17 Posted December 1, 2005 Author Share Posted December 1, 2005 Thanks for the info. The Dr. said my Mom's counts are good, but i was just curious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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