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markley,
As a scientist you know the value of research, and also the value of considering all of the possibilities. Which of course includes some scary scenarios. But since a gradually dropping white count can be due to medications or nutritional issues that can be straightforward to address, there's no need to panic. Ongoing infections can cause neutropenia, as I'm sure you've read, but that seems unlikely to cause a drop three years in a row. A white count drop can also be due to a bone marrow problem, and there's no point in pretending that's not also a possibility. Your concern is appropriate.
You can take comfort from the fact that you are "on the case", you've spotted the trend, and you will have a medical evaluation. It's a lot easier to deal with facts than with our natural fear of the unknown.
Your white count has been in the normal range and only a bit off the low end of the normal range in this most recent test. You aren't in imminent danger. Blood tests even give false results sometimes and can vary from one lab to another, so another test may show you're actually in the normal range. Your graph is the evidence that an evaluation is important, but a single blood test is never conclusive.
Some people tend to assume the worst in any stressful situation and some people are naturally optimistic. You can't change your personality, but you may find it reassuring to know that you're doing exactly what you should be doing in getting a checkup, seeking information, reaching out, and asking questions. You know that the Internet is full of information but also plenty of mis-information, so you shouldn't believe every alarmist report or medical miracle story that you come across. The major medical sites have good articles on neutropenia, and you should soon know whether some of the information they present applies to you.
If you are like me, you'll feel much better once you have a medical explanation and can take action to deal with whatever the problem turns out to be, rather than waiting to learn what's going on and worrying about every last possibility. Gathering information, working with your doctor, and asking questions puts you in charge of your own health, and that's the healthiest approach.
Good luck, and I hope you have your explanation very soon.
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