Treatmt: bloodwork post chemo

Hi Everyone.
I am at the 8 week post chemo mark and my neutrophil count is still very low. My cancer treatment consisted of the sandwich approach which was chemo 3 cycles, 5 weeks radiation and then 3 cycles of chemo.
My oncologist has said that because so much of the active marrow is radiated with pelvic radiation that it takes awhile.
But I really had expected it to come up by now?? I guess I am in a bit of a hurry being a health care provider and wanting to have the flu vaccine. ( they say there is no point if your neutriphil count is very low)

anyone else followed after chemo with SLOW recover?

thanks
Janet

Hi, Janet

I'm at 6 weeks but all my radiation occurred first followed by the 6 cycles of chemotherapy. My neutriphil levels didn't improve any at all until the 4th cycle of chemotherapy. Two weeks ago, they were still low. I have an appt with my GP next week and was going to ask about a flu shot then. It will be interesting to see what they say.

I hope your levels improve enough you can get that flu shot soon!.

Lyn

Janet and Lyn,

I'm curious what your ANC low counts are?

I haven't had the extensive treatments that both of you have had yet, but I did get a flu shot Tuesday. My ANC count last week was 2968. The onc nurse said that the Dr likes the count to be at least 1500 to have a treatment, but don't know about having a flu shot. Also, she mentioned last week, that she didn't suggest getting the H1N1 shot. Didn't get one of those because my primary dr said being over 50, it probably wasn't necessary although he didn't have them in yet anyway. Haven't made up my mine whether to get one or not at this time. Any thoughts?

As I've had flu shots for many years now, I've never experienced any side effects; however, this time, I did get very tired and sleepy, and had low energy, but thought that was possibly from chemo treatment last Thursday.

Thanks,
Trish

ANC stands for absolute neutriphil count. YOur white blood count is a combination of several other forms of white blood cells, but the neutriphil count is the one that they are most interested in.
The normal ANC is over 2500, most commonly over 3000.
They will delay your chemo if your ANC is under 1500. If you are under 1000 you are somewhat more prone to infections and if you are under 500 it is considered dangerous.
When your blood count is too low, you are not able to mount a response to a vacinne, so it will likely not work on you. It was suggested by my oncologist to wait until my blood count came up to get it.
Most of my cycles my ANC went down to about 1300 and then came up the day of chemo (with steroids help)
This last 6th chemo, on day 28 my ANC was 600, so they gave me an extra neupogen shot, it sort of worked, and I did not have it (cbc) taken again until this week (8weeks post chemo) and my ANC is 1100 right now. (my WBC is 2)
I will call to see if there is any point in getting a flu shot ( I work with a lot of sick elderly people and it is suggested we get immunized to protect them)
I was just curious whether this delay is common amungst others

Janet

Janet,

Thanks for the post detailing ANC.

I hope you're able to get your flu shot soon, as it sounds like you really need to be protected as well as protect others. So difficult working in a health profession with all that's going on out there, yet so needed.

Take care,
Trish