Where Do Blood Cells Come From?
Blood cells are made in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue which fills the center of your bones. The bone marrow found in certain bones (the skull, breastbone, ribs, backbone and pelvis) make blood cells. There are three types of blood cells. Each one has an important role in your body’s function. • Red Blood Cells (RBCs) carry oxygen in your body • White Blood Cells (WBCs) help to fight infection • Platelets help to clot blood What Does All of This Mean to Me? Learning about blood counts will help you to better understand the changes your body goes through during cancer treatment. It’s important that you notify your doctor for any fevers, infections, bleeding (in your gums, urine, stool), unusual bruises, dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath. These signs may be a result of your lowered blood counts. Remember that most of the side effects from cancer treatments are temporary. Your blood counts will go down but they will return to normal. LISTEN to what your body is telling you
