Bone Marrow

Blood supplies the cells of the body with the materials they need for nourishment and repair, and removes waste from the cells. The bone marrow makes blood cells that are released into the bloodstream when they are needed. Bone Marrow cells are rapidly reproducing cells, and are adversely affected by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can suppress the bone marrow. When the bone marrow is not functioning properly the child experiences a decrease in the number of cells in the blood. The Doctor will closely monitor the blood cells while your child is on treatment. You will hear your doctor order "blood counts" or a "CBC". This means a sample of your child's blood will be taken from him or her and checked for the number of:

• Red Blood Cells
• White Blood Cells
• Hemoglobin/Hematocrit
• Platelets

*Information provided by Florida Hospital Cancer Institute

Last update Nov. 1, 2008