White blood cell counts can go down to zero, or be above normal. Red cell counts decrease periodically during treatment, necessitating transfusions of packed red cells. Platelet levels also decrease, requiring platelet transfusions. ANCs vary from zero to in the thousands. Oncologists consider all of the blood values to get the total picture of the child's reaction to illness, chemotherapy, radiation, or infection.
Trends are more important than any single value.
For instance, if the values of three tests were 5.0, 4.7, 4.9, then the second result was insignificant. If, on the other hand, the values were 5.0, 4.7, 4.2, then there is a decrease in the cell line. The explanations below will describe each blood value. If you have any questions about your child's blood counts, ask your child's doctor for a clear explanation. The only way to address your worries, and prevent them from escalating, is to ask what the changes mean.