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Do you have
questions about Oncology?
Below
is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to contact
us if
you need additional information. We are always pleased to assist you.
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Why do I need
blood work? |
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 Your doctor orders blood tests to confirm or rule out a
suspected illness, to follow the course of a chronic illness, or to see how you
are responding to treatment. |
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What is a
CBC? |
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A CBC is a Complete Blood Count. It measures your white
blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT),
platelets (PLT), the size of the red cells (MCV), as well as the mean cell
hemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC).
White blood cells fight infection. Red blood cells and
hemoglobin carry oxygen. If your red cell count falls too low, your heart must
work harder to deliver oxygen throughout your body. The hematocrit, mean cell
hemoglobin, and mean cell hemoglobin concentration are various ways we measure
your red cell count. If your red blood cells or hemoglobin are very low, you may
feel tired or become short of breath. Platelets stick together to stop bleeding.
If your platelet count is low, a cut may bleed longer than is normal.
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What is the normal range? |
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A normal range for a lab test is based on the test results
of a very large number of people. The test results of most, but not all,
patients will fall into this normal range. Some healthy patients will always
have counts that are lower or higher than the normal range --- that just happens
to be normal for these patients. However, test results may be lower or higher
than the normal range if you are ill or if you are receiving treatment. For
example, a viral infection will cause your white blood cell count to go up or
down. If you are receiving chemotherapy, your WBC will go down, then come back
up, each time you receive treatment.
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What
Is Chemotherapy? |
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Chemotherapy
is the treatment of cancer with drugs that can destroy cancer cells.
These drugs often are called "anticancer" drugs.
Anticancer drugs destroy cancer cells by stopping them from growing or
multiplying.
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How
Is Chemotherapy Given? |
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 Chemotherapy is
most often given intravenously (IV), through a vein. Usually a thin
needle is inserted into a vein on the hand or lower arm at the
beginning of each treatment session and is removed at the end of the
session. It also can be given by mouth, injection, or topically
on the skin. |
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How
often and for how long will I get chemotherapy? |
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You
may get treatment every day, every week, or every month. This
all depends on the type of cancer, the drugs that are used and
how your body responds to the treatment. Chemotherapy is often
given in cycles that include treatment periods alternated with rest
periods. Rest periods give your body a chance to build healthy
new cells and regain its strength.
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How
will I feel during chemotherapy?
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 Most people
receiving chemotherapy find that they tire easily, but many feel well
enough to continue to lead active lives. Each person and treatment is
different, so it is not always possible to tell exactly how you will
react. Your general state of health, the type and extent of cancer you
have, and the kind of drugs you are receiving can all affect how well
you feel. |
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Will my chemotherapy make me sick? |
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A number of very effective medications are now available
to help lessen or prevent nausea and vomiting. These medications may be given to
you intravenously during your chemotherapy, or you may be given a prescription
medication to take at home. Call your nurse or doctor if you experience nausea. |
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Will I lose my hair because of my treatment? |
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Hair loss is a
common side effect of chemotherapy, but not all drugs cause hair loss. The amount of hair loss varies from a slight thinning to complete
baldness, affecting the scalp, eyelashes and eyebrows, legs, armpits, and pubic
area. The loss may be gradual or sudden. The hair usually grows back after the
treatments are over. Some people even start to get their hair back
while they are still having treatments.
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Why is my CBC tested after treatment? |
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Chemotherapy attacks fast-growing cells. Cancer cells,
white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets are all fast-growing cells.
Because chemotherapy does not know the difference between them, these cells are
all affected during treatment. Your white blood cell count, red blood cell
count, and platelet count may all go down. Your doctor monitors these counts to
determine the toxicity of treatment and to predict your risk for complications,
as well as to plan future therapy. |
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