Hi, I wonder if Dr. Joshi or someone else could give me some advice. I was diagnosed with mouth cancer last year, had part of my tongue removed, plus lymph nodes in my neck,followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. I think I was quite lucky in my treatment, I didn't have a feeding peg, and could eat and taste everything a few months after finishing radiotherapy. I went back to work 3 months after treatment, and have felt great ever since! BUT, last week I got the reslts of a routine bloodtest from my GP, apparantly my white blood count is very low. My GP has arranged another bloodtest to check the result, I phoned the hospital where I was treated, and the doctor there said that this could be a side effect of chemo and radiotherapy, but I find it hard to understand why the blood count wasn't low before this, for instance during the actual treatment. I'm not generally a worrier, but this is really bugging me. Can somebody advise me please.

Hello jus

Cancer patients often develop anaemia from the cancer itself, from treatments used to manage the disease, or from both. While killing cancer cells, many chemotherapy agents and radiation treatment hamper red and white blood cell production and it could be this effect is now beginning to be felt. Your medical oncologist could tell you more. Hope it gets sorted out. Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
Vinod

Hi, Dr, Joshi, Thanks for your reply. Its now over a year since my treatment finished, I feel absolutely fine except my white blood cell count is only about 3.1, which I'm told is still very low. Its been the same since Feb this year, my GP doesn't seem very bothered, just says to come back every 3 months for another test. Am I worrying about nothing, is there any supplements or diet I could follow to help increase the w bloodcell count? Can you give any advice at all? Many thanks, Jus

Hello Jus

If you are feeling fine and your GP is too bothered , you shouldn't worry about it as there is a range for 'normal' and everyone is different. If you aren't getting infections it means you immune system is doing fine. Regarding diet, the general advice would be to have a healthier "low meat, low fat" diet, rich in vegetables and fruit with servings of bread, cereals or beans everyday. You can find more information in the "Living cancer-free" article and at the WCRF website.

Best wishes
Vinod