Neutropenia

Hi everyone!
I went in today for chemo #3 (taxol/carboplatin). Now, I am half way done! Can you tell that I am still on the decadron high? Just wait until tomorrow :cry:

Anyway, found out that I have borderline neutropenia (not enough white blood cells) and have to go in everyday for 7 days to have an injection of a drug called Leukine. It's supposed to stimulate the bone marrow.

Anyone had this? They said it could cause bone pain so I'm interested in what others have experienced.

Thanks for everything.

Hi --

I didn't have Leukine for neutropenia, but I did have some other injected drug for a low platelet count (can't remember the name) and I didn't have any problems with it. You might want to look up Leukine on the Google search engine or check the OVCA website -- they have a lot of good information about that sort of thing.

Love,

Cyndy

s Diane

I just wanted to say congrats for reaching the halfway mark. You'll be done in a flash.
My own counts never dropped low enough to need that type of medication. I have read on other sites about people getting it. Did they tell you what you could safely take if the bone pain happens. Sometimes the taxol and carbo gave me bone pain. Tylenol helped.

s karenann

I had low white cell counts a few times (the lowest was 800--4,000 is considered the low mark for normal) but didn't have to take anything. I'd check out the internet for that drug and if you're concerned, ask the doctor for a prescription "in case" you need it.

Once I passed that halfway point, treatment #3, I felt better. I kept saying "home stretch, home stretch" and it helped.

Just remember with side effects and aches and pains--those cancer cells are feeling a heck of a lot worse! The ones that are maybe left, that is.