Frequently Asked Questions - Hematology Oncology Associates of Rockland PC - Oncology, Hematology, Disorders, Transfusion, Bone Marrow

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about Hematology/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.

Why do I need bloodwork?

What is a CBC?

What is the normal range?

What Is Chemotherapy?

How Is Chemotherapy Given?

How Often and For How Long Will I Get Chemotherapy?

How Will I Feel During Chemotherapy?

Will my chemotherapy make me sick?

Will I lose my hair because of my treatment?

Why is my CBC tested after treatment?


	Why do I need blood work?
	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.

What is a CBC?

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.


	What is the normal range?
	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.


	What Is Chemotherapy?
	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.


	How Is Chemotherapy Given?
	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.


	How often and for how long will I get chemotherapy?
	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.

How will I feel during chemotherapy?

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.


	Will my chemotherapy make me sick?
	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.


	Will I lose my hair because of my treatment?
	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.


	Why is my CBC tested after treatment?
	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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