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chemo and low blood counts

scuttlebug11
scuttlebug11 CSN Member Posts: 175
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1
I have been sick for 5 or 6 days, I finaly went to see my prc and while I was there, I asked for a copy of the pet scan results, my onc had said he wanted to keep an eye on a lymphnode on the right side of the groin area, I always freeze when I go to the cancer center, so I did't ask why, or for a copy of the results. I didn't know it was malignant untill today after my prc pulled it from the computer. My question is, can you have chemo if the platelets and lympocites are still low. I have fnhl grade2 stage4. Where its at now is where it started. blessings Denise
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  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 CSN Member Posts: 2,401 Member
    #2
    low blood counts
    Denise,
    I know they do not like to give you chemo if the blood counts are too low. The rbc get too low and you have no energy. the white cells get to low and you can not fight off infection. Thats usually the rule but There have been a few on here that got chemo even with the low counts. Most of the time it is postponed till they get the counts back up. John
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  • dixiegirl
    dixiegirl CSN Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    #3
    COBRA666 said:

    low blood counts
    Denise,
    I know they do not like to give you chemo if the blood counts are too low. The rbc get too low and you have no energy. the white cells get to low and you can not fight off infection. Thats usually the rule but There have been a few on here that got chemo even with the low counts. Most of the time it is postponed till they get the counts back up. John

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    I know with my last chemo my counts tanked out for the transplant but I don't know the answer to your question. I think John is right if counts are too low I think they hold off, just depends on the patient and doctor.


    Sounds to me like your onc has you on watch and wait which isn't a bad thing. Chemo is no fun. I thought he also said he was happy with your scan? Let him do the watch and you do the relax part!

    Take care honey
    Beth
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  • allmost60
    allmost60 CSN Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    #4
    Staying put...
    Hi Denise,
    If your cancer is staying put, then thats a good thing. Is that what your ONC said when he viewed the PET scan? I never had any problems with my blood counts throughout my chemo rounds and never had to miss a round. I'm sorry you've been sick. Was it caused from your blood counts being down? I'm still fatigued at the end of the day, but not so bad that I can't handle it. I think the Rituxan is playing a part in my being tired still, but then again, I might just need more time from finishing chemo before I'll perk up where I'd like to be. Take care of yourself and rest while you get your counts back up.
    Best wishes...Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)
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