Neutropenia

[Janekite2015]

Does anyone have information about why it's common after treatment for mcl to have neutropenia or a damaged immune system? 5 years out my oncologist says it may never be normal, but my son questions it.

[1Anj1]

“Neutropenia is a condition in which the number of neutrophils in the bloodstream is decreased. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell also known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes or PMNs. Neutropenia reduces the body's ability to fight off bacterial infections. White blood cells are also known as leukocytes”

Treatment for cancer unfortunately is still pretty grim in the fact that it’s like “carpet bombing”. You damage healthy cells as well as unhealthy cells. The idea is that you have more healthy than unhealthy and the deem that to be successful. The body then has to recover and repair the damage.

It is during this phase that people are neutropenic.

I hope that makes some sense and wish you all the best!!