My dad has pancreatic cancer.?

My dad has pancreatic cancer. He had the whipple surgery two weeks ago. We found out when he left the hospital that his white blood cell count was low. Is that normal?

There are several causes for a low wbc count including antibiotics and other drugs. Don't focus on this, one lab value should not be enough to make you worry and if it were a huge concern, his dr.'s would address it. The best thing for you to do is pay attention to what he looks like to you, after all, you know him better than anyone at the hospital does. Also, listen to what your dad says about how he feels. A whipple is not a minor surgery & his recovery could be tough for him. You should expect him to be uncomfortable he may have symptoms like diarrhea, pain, decreased appetitie, & fatigue(it takes a lot of energy to heal from major surgery). Your best source of information and advice is his doctor so don't be afraid to ask questions if you have them. His follow up appointments are the perfect time to ask your questions and also to inform his dr. about how his progress has been going at home. Keep in mind that dr.'s are people too and they understand that cancer affects, not only the patient, but also the people that love them. The vast majority of dr.'s are very sympathetic to this and are willing to answer your questions but they are very busy people,and they are not psychic, so you have to ask when you have the opportunity. Good luck to you and your dad, I'm so sorry you all have to go through this but keep your chin up & I'll say a little prayer for you tonight.

You seriously need to get him on MonaVie!!!! This stuff is amazing as far as attacking cancer cells.

His blood count being low is very normal. Give it time and i am sure it will come back up. =)

If he had chemo or radiation it's probably normal. Best wishes to your family!

There are all sorts of things that cause low white cell counts, including many medications, but surgery itself doesn't cause the cell count to drop. White blood cell counts also have nothing to do with pancreatic cancer. Cell counts vary from day to day, and having counts slightly outside the norm doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong. Most likely, the doctors would have discussed this with you dad if they were worried about something.

Its great your dad had Whipple surgery - this is the best way to go whenever possible. Its very effective and cancer rarely returns.

idk im sorry! i just posted this answer to let you no that i am thinking of you! and im praying for you and your family!!

GOOD LUCK!

Yes it is very normal. Keep in mind that during this time of recovery infections and such are normal, and that its going to be a bit of a transition for him.