Here I go again--severely neutropenic

jackies

Hi gang. Just wanted to give you an update. I got Taxotere #2 last Monday, Nov. 27. Because treatment #1 landed me in the hospital for 4 days (severely neutropenic), my Dr. cut the dosage by 25% this 2nd time. Unfortunately, it didn't help much. I had a CBC done yesterday 12/4 and my white count is LOWER than when I was admitted to the hospital last month! (Why is life so complicated???) My onco's nurse said that as long as I'm not running a fever, I don't feel ill in any way, and I promise to stay locked up in the house for the next week, they won't readmit me. By the way, my white count (normal 4.6-11) was "0.9". I guess from now on I'll be taking Neupogen shots with my last 2 treatments. I'm scheduled to have genetic testing done 12/19. I understand it takes a month to get the results. I decided to have it done before I make my decision about how much surgery to have. Another reason I decided to be tested is because in October, one of my cousins (age 40) was diagnosed with BC. She was told she needed a single mastectomy, but she opted for a double. So now I'm wondering if there isn't a hereditary component to my BC. Time will tell. So long for now. Keep in touch and God Bless You All. Jackie

tiger

Hey Jackie, sorry to hear about your counts, but you know what, as long as you dont feel sick, then dont worry about it. One week my count will be low(not enough to hospitalize me though)then the next week they will be outstanding. When they are low, I dont know it,I dont feel ill,or run a fever, I only know because my nurse tells me my counts when i get my weekly injection of Herceptin. Oh yeah, I am really bad, I shop no matter what, most people would spank me for that, but I figure as long as I am feeling good, then what the heck? I know I am playing a dangerous game, but I have not been ill once in the past year. Luck or sheer stubborness? I wish you well, kick back and relax for a few days.
Love and Hugs, Tiger

jane38

tiger said:

Hey Jackie, sorry to hear about your counts, but you know what, as long as you dont feel sick, then dont worry about it. One week my count will be low(not enough to hospitalize me though)then the next week they will be outstanding. When they are low, I dont know it,I dont feel ill,or run a fever, I only know because my nurse tells me my counts when i get my weekly injection of Herceptin. Oh yeah, I am really bad, I shop no matter what, most people would spank me for that, but I figure as long as I am feeling good, then what the heck? I know I am playing a dangerous game, but I have not been ill once in the past year. Luck or sheer stubborness? I wish you well, kick back and relax for a few days.
Love and Hugs, Tiger

Tiger - It's not luck or stubborness. It is the desire to be well, and come hell or high water you are going to be well. It's determination and the will to continue life. So you have cancer. So what! I love your attitude. You really are a tiger, you stalk stealthily and then you strike. You are a marvel. Jane

jane38

Jackie - I stayed neutropenic while I was on chemo. In fact after my first chemo I was on Neupogen three to five injections a week. Almost learned to love that stuff. Hang in there kiddo, just two more to go! Jane

pamtriggs

Dear Jackie

Just a thought but have you tried taking bovine colostrum while on Taxotere. It is a natural supplement made from cows first milk like all mammals produce to impart immunity to new borns. It could help yu to fight off any infections & keep you out of hospital this time. I have not had to have chemo yet (I'm on Tamoxifen) but radiation caused my white count to drop dramatically but it bounced back very quickly with colostrum. The brand I take is US made from New Zealand colostrum (ie pasture fed cows)The brand name is New Life & the company is Symbiotics. They probably have a web page. Could be worth a try. Hang on in there. Only 2 treatments to go. Prayers & love & hugs coming your way.

Pam

tiger

pamtriggs said:

Dear Jackie

Just a thought but have you tried taking bovine colostrum while on Taxotere. It is a natural supplement made from cows first milk like all mammals produce to impart immunity to new borns. It could help yu to fight off any infections & keep you out of hospital this time. I have not had to have chemo yet (I'm on Tamoxifen) but radiation caused my white count to drop dramatically but it bounced back very quickly with colostrum. The brand I take is US made from New Zealand colostrum (ie pasture fed cows)The brand name is New Life & the company is Symbiotics. They probably have a web page. Could be worth a try. Hang on in there. Only 2 treatments to go. Prayers & love & hugs coming your way.

Pam

Tiger here, I have also used the Bovine Colustrum Pam and it does work, when i was still on the other chemo and at the beginning of the Taxol I was really low and tired all the time, then i started taking the colostrum and bam, big difference, I tried the one make from New Zealand cows and one made from Argentinian cows, they are supposed to be the only two cows in the world that are pure, and I did not notice a difference. It really is worth it to try Jackie and inexpensive, make sure it is low heat processed and only naturally fed cows.You are a nurse Jackie so here is whats written on my bottle.
NOW is the brand, 500 mg Lactoferrin with Acidophilus,Antibiotic free,NOW boivine colustrum is collected from the first 12 hour lactation. It is rich in immunoglobulins which have anti bacterial and antiviral properties, Each 500 mg capsule contains an average of 25% IgG antibodies and a minimum of .6% Lactoferrin. No synthetic Growth Hormones. You will understand that better than I do!! Lots of luck. Tiger

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