Because the ranges considered normal are very wide, interpretation of the results can get muddy. One patient with a platelet count of 100,000 might have only minor bruising, for example, while another might have constant nosebleeds. It's also important to keep in mind that a patient's blood counts that are low as a result of chemotherapy and will rise again as his body manufactures new cells.
Most of the time, it's simply a case of waiting for the counts to rise again and keeping him safe in the meantime. However, for each count there is a level below which his doctor will take steps to elevate blood counts. These may include prescribing medicines or giving transfusions. Likewise, don't be surprised if his doctor postpones a chemo treatment if she decides his blood counts are too low.
It is very helpful to know your blood counts. It can help explain why we feel a certain way. And don't be afraid to ask for a print out.
Learning more about red and white blood cells. Never knew much about platelets before but now understand how it works. Thanks.
Informative!
Hi, I had my second course of chemo last week (it was worse than the first one) but the nurse had to check with the consultant that it was ok to give to me because my platelet count was too high! what would cause that? and is it dangerous?