Platelet Count

Happyhar

Thanks to all you all with your valuable posts. Craig and on and on. Thank you. I changed Onc after 4 Folfox Treatments because of summer relocation. The origonal Onc got cautious after they (Platelets ) dropped below 100,000. The New guy, who I like alot, changed me to Folfox 6. He continues treatment even tho I am now in the 55,000 range. He says He is comfortable with this. Do any of you have any similar experiences or thoughts? I had colon resection 12/28/09. Was IIIB. Treatment 7 today hit me a little harder, Flushing, fever (99.4) General Blahs. I feel so Blessed and fortunate. Frank

thready

Hope you are able to perk up soon
I know my platelets dropped but I am not sure how far. My onc just kept on going even when the white count was very low. The last few treatments I know my counts were low, I had some significant bruising and looked pretty ghosty, but soon after treatment stopped everything went back to normal.

You need to make sure you let the onc know how you feel, if you have bruising, bleeding gums or small spots on your legs or arms, all signs the doctor needs to know about because of bleeding. Be careful with shaving etc, cuts will not stop bleeding as quickly. I would also keep an eye on your temperature, and if you don't perk up in the next day or so, let the doctor know also.

I sure hope you start to feel better soon. Are you doing a total of 12 treatments? If you are you are over half way there. Take care. Keep us posted
Jan

Happyhar

thready said:

Hope you are able to perk up soon
I know my platelets dropped but I am not sure how far. My onc just kept on going even when the white count was very low. The last few treatments I know my counts were low, I had some significant bruising and looked pretty ghosty, but soon after treatment stopped everything went back to normal.

You need to make sure you let the onc know how you feel, if you have bruising, bleeding gums or small spots on your legs or arms, all signs the doctor needs to know about because of bleeding. Be careful with shaving etc, cuts will not stop bleeding as quickly. I would also keep an eye on your temperature, and if you don't perk up in the next day or so, let the doctor know also.

I sure hope you start to feel better soon. Are you doing a total of 12 treatments? If you are you are over half way there. Take care. Keep us posted
Jan

Thanks for info
Yep, am shaving with electric. I am doing the 12, so pleased to be half way there. I'll see Onc Thurs to have pump etc. removed so handy for followup. White counts and other stuff seem to be fine. Platelets are only issue. Frank

Sundanceh

Platelet Levels
Hey Frank

This post must have slipped under my radar. Listen, I've got a big concern with your platelet count being down at 55,000 and them still giving you the Oxy. Onc #1 had it right - they are not supposed to be administering Oxaliplatin to you if your platelet counts are under 100,000.

The reason for this is bleeding internally. Platelet counts dictated my chemo with Oxy and had to be postponed because I developed ITP, which is a compromise of the immune system and the ability to produce platelets at the level required for chemo to be administered.

At my lowest, my counts were high 40's to mid 50's - and we delayed and we delayed until we finally let the Oxy go from my regimen. Be careful not to cut yourself because with platelets that low, the clotting factor disappears and a little prick can bleed for a couple of days. And be careful driving your car - no accidents.

Platelet counts in the 20's are extremely dangerous and a person can literally bleed out internally by doing nothing more than just sitting down - and the doctors cannot do a thing about it, even in the hospital. No platelets - no blood clotting, just simple arithmetic.

Not trying to scare you, but I'm keeping it real and I am concerned for you.

I'm not a doctor by any means, but I've talked to a few oncs and not a one of them believes in giving Oxy when counts are that far under 100,000. In this case, cautious is better.

Do me a favor - humor me and go get another opinion. I know you like this guy but we are talking about your life here and quite frankly, I'm really worried for you.

You know I'm your friend and I'm not going to mislead you.

Sure am glad I paged down and found your post. Please let me know what you find out.

Ok, Frank, you got me worried now - look forward to hearing from you and thanks for your conficence. I'm more than glad to help you.

-Craig

vhtqm1

second opinion ASAP
it is not wise to continue chemotherapy with the platelett results your posting.

ed

Annabelle41415

vhtqm1 said:

second opinion ASAP
it is not wise to continue chemotherapy with the platelett results your posting.

ed

Agreed
My oncologist wouldn't do it if it was that low. I would get a second opinion too. Take care of yourself.

Kim