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Bone Density and Blood Count

Argy48
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  • 38 subscribers
  • 201 views

Hi,

I was treated with 20 sessions of RT last spring and also had 7 months of hormone therapy. I was Gleason 3 + 4, tumour size 9 mm and said to be 'T2, likely T3'. I am currently 76 years old. My latest follow-up blood test two weeks ago showed PSA <0.05 which is obviously very encouraging. Other than the expected side effects (zero libido, hot flushes, weight gain, etc.) which I and my wife are coping with, I have two queries.

1. I have pain in my hips when walking more that half a mile or so - before treatment I could easily manage 5+ miles. Some health authorities seem to do bone density scans routinely after radiotherapy treatment, so is this something I should be seeking advice about?

2. My latest FBC tests still show me as anemic although improving very slightly from the last time 6 months ago. However I am still below the low reference score for several areas with the overall rating stated as 'abnormal but expected'. The tests are due to be repeated in three months. Relevant scores at the moment are Red Blood Cell count 4.28, Haematocrit 0.375, Haemoglobin Concentration 125 b/L. Should I be expecting my GP to be doing something about this, or is it reasonable to continue waiting to see if the readings continue to improve?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

  • Hi Argy48,

    Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Sarah and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists.

    I’m sorry to hear that the hip pain you have been experiencing is having an impact on the things you would normally enjoy.

    It’s understandable to have questions about the symptoms you are experiencing following pelvic radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

    People can experience late effects of pelvic radiotherapy. These can start months or years after treatment stops. One of the side effects is changes to the bones. If this is something that is worrying you we would encourage you to mention this to your GP or urology nurse at the hospital and explore further tests going forward to check the health of your bones.

    With regards to your bloods the results from laboratories can vary from hospital to hospital. When the GP receives a copy of the blood results there will usually be a section giving the doctor the normal result range.

    Here is an example from an NHS hospital showing what the ranges for a full blood count. However, if you look on another NHS website the range for red blood count is slightly different.

    It’s reassuring to read that your blood results have improved since the last time you had your bloods taken. It might be worth asking your GP what their local policy is for treating iron deficiency anaemia in terms of blood ranges.

    Your GP may have mentioned things you can do to help with iron deficiency anaemia before your next blood test.

    I really hope this information was helpful.  Please know, you can always give us a call to talk things through further.

    Take care and best wishes,

    Sarah (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.

    Ref:  GHi

  • in reply to Sarah M - Macmillan

    Many thanks for such a quick and helpful reply, Sarah. I'll certainly discuss this when I have my next appointment in a few weeks' time.

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