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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Phoenix, AZ

I’m in remission and been off of Revlimid for 6 weeks and just had my blood work done and all numbers are good except my white blood count which is just a little low but seems to go down a point or two every blood test. Any thoughts? Thank you!

January 22
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I've been off Revlimid for 6 months and my WBC runs on the low side also but the doctor does not seem to be concerned about it. I also have a B12 def. that seems to be common in stem cell transplants so I give myself monthly injections. With Leukopenia, one needs to be careful about exposing yourself to sick people and try practicing safe techniques like frequent hand washing.

January 23
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

After you Stop everything it can take up to a year for your Labs to recover most of the way

Diet, Supplements and Exercise can help speed this up

January 22
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Thank you all for your responses they are super helpful and they help me not worried. I will check on the B12 easy enough to take a supplement. Yes when numbers are good we have to live each day to the fullest. Wish everyone well!!

January 23
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I'm in remission and my blood counts bounce around a bit. My doctor says that they don't just look at one test result, they look at the big picture and he isn't concerned. Bring your concerns to your Myleoma specialist and hopefully he can put your mind at ease.

January 23
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Hi Jeff, that's a bit unusual, since lenolidomide/Revlimid is the cause of lowered wbc. I wish I had a good answer for you, but I've yet to be given a break from lenolidomide (10/24), however, doc never is alarmed about my wbc.
I got this off of Google AI:
To raise your white blood cell (WBC) count after stopping Revlimid (lenalidomide), focus on allowing the bone marrow to recover, typically within 4–6 weeks, by consulting your doctor about growth factor injections (e.g., Neupogen, Neulasta) and consuming a nutrient-dense diet high in protein, vitamin B12, and folate. While the bone marrow generally recovers on its own, active management is necessary to prevent infections during this period.
Medical and Lifestyle Strategies to Increase WBC Count:
WBC Growth Factors (G-CSF): The most effective way to boost counts is through injections of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors like Filgrastim (Neupogen) or Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta). These medications prompt the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells, particularly after treatment-induced suppression.
Dietary Support: Consume foods high in protein (fish, eggs, poultry, beans) to provide the necessary building blocks for new blood cells. Incorporate foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc to support immune function.
Nutritional Supplements: Consult your healthcare team about taking multivitamins containing folate and vitamin B12.
Medication Management: If the count remains low, doctors may adjust the dose or frequency of future maintenance treatments.
Essential Safety Precautions (Neutropenia Management):
While waiting for your counts to recover, take steps to prevent infection:
Practice Strict Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Food Safety: Avoid raw, undercooked, or unpasteurized foods to prevent exposure to bacteria.
Avoid Infection Risks: Avoid large crowds, people who are sick, and situations where you might cut your skin.
Monitor Symptoms: Contact your care team immediately if you develop a fever, which is a critical indicator of low white blood cell counts (neutropenia).
What to Expect:
Revlimid is known to reduce white blood cell counts, but this damage is generally not permanent.
The bone marrow usually recovers within four to six weeks after stopping the medication.
Your healthcare team will monitor your blood counts closely with lab tests before resuming any treatment.
Disclaimer: Consult your oncologist or hematologist before starting any new supplements or making significant dietary changes, as some can interfere with treatment.

January 23

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