Low Red Blood Cell Count?

Question

My mother has a low Red Blood Cell Count. She is seeing her doctor steadily and they are running tests, but I am curious as to what might be the problem. Could it have something to do with Lymphona, or another type of cancer? Any honest & knowledgeable suggestions would help. I just kind of want to prepare myself. I always try to expect the worst that way I am not so disappointed. Thank you for your help.

My mother is not taking any type of Chemo or radiation at this time. We do not know yet if she has cancer.

Answer 1

A low RBC count is called "anemia".

Is the RBC count actually low OR is there a deficiency in oxygen carrying capacity (e.g., low hemoglobin levels)?

MANY things can cause a low RBC count, including certain vitamin deficiencies B-12), iron deficiency, NUMEROUS illnesses (icluding blood cancers and other cancers) and, of course, BLEEDING somewhere. (Bleeding involves the loss of whole blood, however, so one would need to know if her HEMOCRIT is low - percentage of RBC's to serum; OR if the hematocrit is OK.)

Medicine is rather simple: either she is not making sufficient RBC's OR she is making enough, but losing them.

As I said, there are far too many things that can cause this - she needs to see a HEMATOLOGIST (blood specialist) - which I am NOT.

Answer 2

Is your mom undergoing treatment/chemo? I know certain chemo combo can cause white & red blood cell counts to drop. It can even cause anemia for some. I know for white blood cells to drop there's a shot (neulasta) to boost white cells back up. If she's seeing her doc or a regular basis there's nothing to worry about so much until the doc says so. As much as I can remember low red blood cell count causes light headedness. Sudden movements like getting up too fast may make her dizzy. She has to be careful especially if she drives or go somewhere alone. I hope this is informative enough for now.

Answer 3

I recently dealt with somebody that had Auto Immune Hemolitic Anemia. He got better after about a month.

Answer 4

anemia ,causes internal bleeding ,ulcers etc,heavy periods due to fibroid etc,leukemia,renal problems,poor diet,these are just a few

Answer 5

well...she has a leak or is not producing blood.causes can be simple anemia or something such as bleeding colon,stomach ulcer,kidney failure or cancer..see md ssoon..

Answer 6

she's probably anemic, low iron. they can prescribe iron supplements or she can drink Guiness stout to increase iron in the blood.