Neutropenia

yesterday I went for my weekly CBC and found out I have neutropenia. My counts were WBC 1.95 k/l and neu 1.02 K/ul. The major thing that concerns me is that I want to be able to have chemo (my last) next Wed. They won't do it unless the neu is up to 1.5. Is is possible to build it up that much in a week? My dr. does not want to give neulastia unless she has to...she likes the body to do it's thing first. And I am already receiving procrit.

The nurse told me to live my life, just don't go to the movies or be around little kids (not a problem for me). Any other suggestions? The biggest side effect I have is feeling cold (which is so funny - for so long I have always been HOOOTTTT with hormone stuff - what a shift!

I just want to know how much I should count on my treatment next week. I SOOO WANT to have it done with.

Thanks.

Hi Georgene

My own last treatment was almost postponed also. Fox Chase had me get my labs checked locally the day before I headed up there for the final chemo. And lo and behold, my body did what it needed to do. HOpefully yours will also.
Avoid little kids and crowds for sure.

oxoxox karenann

Georgene
My Neuts also were low at my nadir after chemo #4,#5,&#6. But at the time for my next Chemo, the bounced back to acceptable levels. I also took only Procrit but never Neulasta. My Chemo nurse said Neuts can rise overnight. I hope your do so you can have your chemo.

Hang in there.

s

Ruth S

Georgene:

My low counts delayed my last chemo for 5 weeks. I tried to eat very well...lost of leafy veggies, fruits, whole grains, etc. Either it worked, or my body just brought the counts up by themselves.

Good luck...hope all goes well.

Hi, Georgene!

I'm the neutropenia queen. I had several chemos be delayed, and was hospitalized when my neutrophils hit zero. So you're not alone.

I researched the heck out of this whole situation, and I could not find one thing that helped raise a white count. Resting? Exercise? Eating healthfully? None of it seems to matter. Chemo just smacks the heck out of your bone marrow. It's better to wait. If they blast you before your counts are ready, then you could suffer bodily damage.

It's important to be careful -- no small kids, no crowds, no movie theatres, no skins on raw foods (double wash all raw foods anyway, but be sure to peel them). I have been lectured about this stuff ad nauseum by my nurses.

Is Neopogen an option? It's less expensive than Neulasta, but you have to take it for a certain amount of days. I think Neulasta is given in one dose. They are both ridiculously expensive, but Neupogen definitely helped me get all my treatments in. Still, there were several postponements. I'm fair-haired (well, I was when I had hair) and blue eyed, which my dad says makes me more sensitive to medications and such. Odd, that.

Anyway, don't worry. This is totally normal. If you get postponed for a week, it's OK.

Many hugs!

understanding. So I guess red wine and raw meat won't do any good...NOT that I would eat raw meat!!! I guess if I have to wait, I have to wait. I will let you guys know...I won't know till I go next Wed and they draw my blood. Right now it is pretty funny - I keep doing Sweatshirt on (freezing) Sweatshirt off (sweating). It is almost like an aerobic routine! Part of what freaks me out also is just knowing how low my counts are. I never even thought of this stuff before. It is amazing what you learn.

Have a good weekend everyone!