~8 months of Breast cancer remission - WBC count low.

March 30, 2016 11:38 AM

My Mom's in remission from stage two breast cancer (had mastectomy). All has gone well, and she's in good health/spirits. Thing is, she got a call from the office asking her to come in for a recheck/bone marrow scan as her WBC count was low. The doctor isn't in until Monday and she gets pretty stressed. Has anyone been in a similar situation? I'm looking more for reassuring words - from those who have dealt with the stress of constant remission health scares (particularly involving WBC's) or doctors - to show her than anything.

Her WBC count in the last check was 2.5, whereas 4 months ago it was 4-point-something. I'd love to hear from survivors who have been in similar situations, or those in the medical field. Positive anecdata only please, as I don't think there's any reason to further alarm her at this point.

Thanks in advance - I suppose I'm looking for some reassurance as well :)

posted by CottonCandyCapers to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

I have always felt generally comforted by the fact that truly alarming test results are dealt with quickly -- even if it's Friday night, even if my doctor is on vacation, even on Christmas Eve (true story). Although I'm sure it is nerve wracking to wait until Monday to learn more, I would also find some solace in the fact that a healthcare provider has reviewed my results and thinks it's totally fine to wait until Monday.
posted by telegraph at 12:12 PM on March 30, 2016

My mother is a 25 year breast cancer survivor, and I can recall there were several traumatizing scares caused by people being extra-cautious about followup results. I'm sorry, I'm not sure how reassuring that is: it's probably nothing, and get used to things that are probably nothing putting fear of recurrence in your face. It is very typical. One of the most difficult aspects of cancer is that they can't and won't ever tell you "you're cured now".
posted by thelonius at 12:31 PM on March 30, 2016 [1 favorite]

I am a breast cancer survivor and my doctor doesn't even run regular CBCs, because he doesn't think the results have anything to do with indicating recurrence unless I am having some sort of symptom(s) that warrant concern. Your mom almost certainly is fine - her immune system is probably just fighting something off. And please note, this (totally IANYMom'sD) opinion is coming from someone who is convinced I have some weird metastasis every time I have the slightest pain anywhere in my body. I know her fear. But I also know what my doctor would tell me: don't worry about it.
posted by something something at 12:34 PM on March 30, 2016

My MIL had breast cancer 12 years ago and in the last 20 months successfully fought uterine cancer. Her WBC count was in the toilet last year and we were really worried. It's s l o w l y improving, but isn't where is should be, but the doctors say that she really took a beating from radiation and chemo, so it should be expected.
Her more pressing issue has been neuropathy, but you'd never know she'd even been sick and chugs right along...and she's in her early 60's.
There's been a lot of tears and worry, but no one really knows how much time they have - so hang in there!
posted by black8 at 12:39 PM on March 30, 2016

I would be concerned that she has some sort of infection (including the common cold) or a vitamin deficiency. These can both cause low wbc. It takes time to fully recover from cancer and cancer treatment. You remain more vulnerable to infection for a time.

So, take care of her like she is coming down with something. Be proactive because a minor infection can be more serious for a cancer survivor. But I would not panic.

I have had multiple relatives with cancer, including breast cancer. To me, this signals "Time for rest, hot tea, extra vitamins, etc".

Neutropenia causes
posted by Michele in California at 12:44 PM on March 30, 2016 [1 favorite]