Blood work question

[positive-thinking]

My husband just got round # 4 of chemo yesterday and bloodwork was done the day before. Doctor not concerned with anything on the blood work and did say that it is expected to change with each round of chemo. Everything looked good and hardly any changes but one flag I see was the Red cell distribution width was 14.4 ( within reference range ) but this time it was high 15.9 What does this pertain too and is she right in saying that it is fine and can be expected during chemo? Even so I'm curious what it means? Thanks for any input ? They send the PSA away so still don't know what that is as of yet?'

[positive-thinking]

I hope it is not bad news on why no one answered this? Does anyone know anything about the meaning of this part of the lab? Thanks

[OldWarrior in reply to positive-thinking]

In my limited understanding it measures the range of the size of red blood cells. Mine was always out of range during chemo. My MO wasn’t really concerned about it and was more concerned with hemoglobin levels.

[positive-thinking in reply to OldWarrior]

Thanks for the response and it is nice to know that this is not a huge concern . Really hope all is well with you . My husband seems a little short of breath after this round # 4 . Hope it doesn't not turn into anything. Always something new happening each day with chemo

[Grandpa4 in reply to positive-thinking]

Whenever you inhibit DNA synthesis the red cells come out bigger. Not sure the mechanism but it is very common and means nothing in someone on chemo .

[positive-thinking in reply to Grandpa4]

Thanks for the response , have the best day !

[Woodstock82]

My RDW went up to 19% during chemo, came down to 16% ever since, and has been pretty steady near 16% for three years now. Not an issue.

[positive-thinking in reply to Woodstock82]

Thanks so much for the reply, not sure why the percentages are for my husband but appreciate knowing not to worry about this going up so much . Hope you are doing well

[Westminsternumerouno]

I really don't know the answer to this so sorry. I've just completed cycle 6 with no issues so good luck for your journey.

[positive-thinking in reply to Westminsternumerouno]

So happy to hear you had no issues all 6 cycles, praying for a smooth and very long journey for you. Thanks for responding to my post

[Islandboy2021]

Is your husband having Grastofil injections.

[positive-thinking in reply to Islandboy2021]

Yes on day 5 to 9 he gets them

[Islandboy2021]

That is good, it will keep him from crashing. I am getting the Grastofil from day 3 to day 10. When I had chemo for the first time 6 years ago they didn't offer me Grastofil and I crashed and was hospitalized for 5 days. After that I was given Grastofil after each treatment.

[positive-thinking in reply to Islandboy2021]

I have read so much and researched having the Grastofil and can not for the life off me understand why it is not standard practice to have this with chemo. Glad you are getting it this time and hope this chemo goes well for you . best of luck to you

[Vasili]

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[pe43]

my.clevelandclinic.org/heal...

A high RDW means that there’s variation in the size of your red blood cells beyond what’s considered normal. A high RDW may be a sign of anemia or a related condition. Your healthcare provider will need to look at other tests to be sure. Often, they’ll look at the results of an RDW (variation in red blood cell size) alongside the results of the MCV (average red blood cell size) to assess the health of your red blood cells.