Radiotherapy blood counts Lymphocytes and Platelets

I should imagine that you should be shielding - other than going to and from medical appointments.  I was supposed to have a cardiac ablation a couple of weeks ago and was told to shield before and after the procedure - so both of us staying home with no visitors.  I also had to have a C19 test 4 days before going into hospital and another one as soon as I arrived at the hospital.  I had the one prior to admittance and got the result at 7pm that evening having had the test at 1pm.  Thankfully it was negative but then the procedure was cancelled because 13 staff members in the hospital tested positive and two of the staff on the sealed cardiac unit tested positive.  The hospital I was to go to was in a city which had just been put into local lockdown at the time.  Having said that I am sure I would have been  safe to go as I would only have been in the hospital for the day - so long as everything went well and the staff are tested very regularly - which is how they found out of course.  I have not heard that any of the patients attending the cardiac unit were affected so it shows that PPE works.

thanks 

I am shielding and wear a mask during visits to hospital and therapy.

 am interested to know how many others had lower blood counts.

One Doctor says as long as bones are not irradiated blood count is not affected,but have been told this is not correct and found a study saying that lymphocytes and platelets are affected in a big way.

I wonder also how long this persists after stopping treatment.

all the best and thanks

Hi,

I had a low blood count for about 6 months after radiotherapy - not terribly low as after just over 4 months I had a short course of iron tablets and that was close to normal after that as I couldn't take any more as had heart problems and told not to take the tablets due to having all sorts of tests.  We are all different so what happened to me might not be the same for you.  Have you seen your GP?

Hi 

thanks for the info.

I have seen my GP (lately I only see doctors...)

He says it happens to RT patients  so I feel it is the reason.

I will try to keep away from everyone for next few months anyway.

How are you doing now,hopefully well.

all the best