Treatmt: Help with low wbc

Ahhhh. I'm done with treatment (thank goodness since my body seems to be at its limit), but...all my counts are low. This is to be expected except for that I have such a terrible reaction to nuelasta and neupogen that I am getting scared. My WBC and neutrophils were low when I got my infusion but everyone wanted to get me done. The thought was neupogen would help my white counts maintain a high enough number that i don't get sick. But the shots make me so sick I can't tolerate it. I had my injection on Thursday and spent all of Friday throwing up and with a headache that is worse than any migraine I have ever had. Last injection I had nuelasta and the same reaction, terrile headache, vomiting, to ER. I'm now terrified of the injections but at the same time terrified that my white counts get so low I end up with pneumonia or sepsis and die of a stupid infection at the end of the road. Has anyone experienced this side effect from the neupogen or nuelasta? Has anyone been offered and alternative method of boasting white blood cell production? I'm on the verge of freaking out over here. I'd rather live in a bubble than get another one of those shots. Thanks.

I'm so glad you're through with treatment but sorry you're having problems with your blood counts. Those shots certainly don't sound like anything I'd be inclined to try again!

I have heard that Vitamins A and C and zinc help with blood counts, but I don't know if that's applicable to chemo situations. I think femtech is the one who is quite knowledgeable about zinc.

Do your doctors have any other ideas besides the neulasta and the neupogen? Good luck to you!

I'm sorry you're having this horrible reaction to the shots. I did some googling and found someone who had vomiting from the shots as well. The chemo nurse recommended taking an antihistamine 1/2 hour before each shot. The guy said it cleared it right up. You could ask your doctor if this is something you could try....I hope it works or you find something that does. I'm thinking of you and praying this gets straightened out ccfighter.

I'm sorry to learn of your intense reaction to the Neupogen. I don't know of any other way to build up your blood counts.

But I belong to another online cancer support group and the topic of dealing with intense bone pain from Neupogen comes up often. Many people on the list have been advised to take Clairiton D (or generic type) one day prior to shot, day of shot, and day after shot. Many swear by it for stopping the side effects. I learned of it after my chemo so I don't have direct experience.

One thing they say is that it must be the medicine with D (decongestant).
Ask your oncology nurse about this. The nurses often are the people who've heard of these things.
Best wishes.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by more alive I'm sorry you're having this horrible reaction to the shots. I did some googling and found someone who had vomiting from the shots as well. The chemo nurse recommended taking an antihistamine 1/2 hour before each shot. The guy said it cleared it right up. You could ask your doctor if this is something you could try....I hope it works or you find something that does. I'm thinking of you and praying this gets straightened out ccfighter.

I just wanted to add that he used Alavert because it works for 24 hours, but there was some mention of Allegra.

Thank you ladies. I have heard of using Allegra or Claritin to help with the bone pain, but found that L-Glutamine really helps me on that front. The headache and vomiting are severe and the pain relievers and anti-nausea meds are of no help. But, I did talk to the chemo nurses who spoke to my onc and decided since I have such a bad reaction to the shots and that I have no more chemos that I do not have to take the shots and can live on strict precautions for neutropenia.(meticulous hand washing, no raw fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid crowds.). They will help an eye on my blood work and if something comes up that necessitates intervention we will deal with it at the time. I am so happy that was their decision. I was really worried the neupogen was going to kill me. Now I just need to stay away from germs until my bone marrow starts working again. Thanks for all the advice.

I'm glad you don't have to go through that anymore ccfighter. Vomiting is awful to go through for long periods of time, as are extreme headaches. Good luck with the germ avoidance, I will be praying they stay away from you. Take care!