Julie, even though you and I have already discussed this, I'm interested in hearing what others have to say.
That said..,
MCV indicates macrocytic (large average RBC size), which means they "could be immature". In MDS this is also in the presence of anemia (and other symptoms).
The MCV (mean corpuscular volume) is a measure of red cell production, and is often elevated after treatment with chemo agents. It's not unusual to have persistant mildly abnormal MCV and RBC counts post-SCT and chemo, and is not necessarily related to the original disease, or in this case, a new cancer "MDS"

We had all kinds of abnormalities for the first 2-3 yrs after chemo, elevated MCV, MCH, Hb, low platelets etc. Everything is getting slowly sorted out just now, 3.5yrs after last chemo cycle.

UGH. Your doctor should keep quiet, because, as others have observed, MCV is often elevated at first. Mine was and now is in the normal range. B12 and folic acid deficiencies are common causes of an increase in MCV, as is, as lea noted, blood loss anemia, which is associated with an increase in reticulocytes (immature RBCs that are large). I do not think you have anything to worry about. Ask your doctor if your folic acid, iron (iron loss gives a low MCV), reticulocyte count and RDW (the range of RBC size) are all normal. Then just forget about it.

Cliff

Forgotten

MCV can be all over the place. I hope you don't think another moment about it. Doctor should have really not planted that seed....

Julie: I have had elevated MCV and still do. And on top of that my onc told me I still have MDS. Never bothered me -- hey, I'm alive. Six year survivor as of Jan 1st. They did a B12 test and were hoping that was it, but it was not -- I am OK with B12. Its just I am a different animal, but something keeps me going. People live with MDS all their lives and never even know it -- bad shaped blood cells, the MCV is part of the indication -- RBCs are bigger than what is normal. No problem -- enjoy life and deal with problems when they arise -- you know Mt 6 -- sufficient to the day is the evil thereof ... I will probably die of a heart attack brought on by feeling too good. Take care and thanks for your prayers for me -- Lets make a special effort to pray for everyone on this forum -- daveB

I know I'm a little late to this dance but I just checked my last cbc and noticed my MCV slightly elevated as well at 105. I can't compare to my prior cbc's because my wife tossed them, like they were taking up so much spaced, ugh. I'm a numbers guy and I keep everything, she just doesn't get it. Anyway, I also know that my rbc has always been low (but not hct or hgb, strange). I have no idea about my vitamin levels. My doctor really hasn't ever mentioned any problems she has seen except for some minor things not related to blood diseases. Maybe because she knows I'm a worry wart but hopefully things are as normal as it can be. And if they aren't and I can't do anything about it I don't want to know.

Julie, I'm sure you're fine. Like Dave always says, if we were getting sick again we would know it. Enjoy every healthy day and only think good thoughts.

Lou

Hi Lou,

Our counts seem to be very similar. I know what you mean about the numbers. I keep a nerdy CBC spreadsheet and my RBC is low with my hgb and hct normal. My mcv had been elevated since I ended chemo over two years ago.

Based on the Aplastic Anemia and MDS organization website, MDS caused by chemo or SCT occur about .5 to 1 % of the time. I think those odds are in our favor. I feel great and plan to stay that way. We are survivors!

Link below

http://www.aamds.org/about/MDS/causes

Blessings
Julie

OK Julie and Lou,

First of all, my MCV was elevated as well, but gradually normalized after years.

Second, let me explain the reason for the normal HGB/HCT with low RBC. That is because your cells are slightly larger than normal, meaning they still have a total amount of hemoglobin which is normal (fewer larger cells = same amount of hemoglobin) and a normal HCT (the percentage of the blood made up of RBCs, by volume).

There is nothing to worry about.

Life is good, however right now I have a left lower lobe pneumonia with a cold at the same time. Woe is me! Just kidding. It all goes with the territory.

Be well, both of you.

Cliff