Platelets , your opinion will be welcome .

pepebcn
pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1
Last week had to have chemo but my platelets were very low(48000) so, we had to stop it until this week , my surprise was that platelets today are still low (78000) so no chemo either .onc is sure that next week platelets will be fine but I'm a bit worried about this mini holidays of 2 weeks, since along the last three years we have stopped it several times but just one week ,the question is can 2 weeks OFF affect the efficacy of the chemo?.
Thank you in advance my friends!

Comments

  • janie1
    janie1 Member Posts: 753 Member
    #2
    Hi Pepe
    Don't know about the 2 weeks, but things you can do to help the situation is eat really healthy in the meantime.
    Not sure what your diet is like, but eat spinach, dark leafy greens, protein, lean meat, walnuts, salmon.
    As we should do anyway, stay away from processed sugar, white bread, refined grains, and carbonated drinks - all which produce inflammation.
    Hope yours are normal next time, platelets seem to make big swings, so they could possibly swing into normal range if maybe through a really good diet.
  • toyfox
    toyfox Member Posts: 158 Member
    #3
    Agree with Janie
    I agree with Janie
    Nutrition is so important whether on chemo are not.
    There is so much information available about the
    importance of a healthy diet. Why not do everything
    possible to help your immune system.
    Linda
  • neons356
    neons356 Member Posts: 57 Member
    #4
    Potassium
    Pepe,
    Platelets are responsible for blood clotting, and potassium plays an important role in the process. Sometimes poor kidney function can effect potassium in the body, so along with the other good suggestion already mentioned I'd suggest you make sure to eat some potassium rich foods such as bananas.
    Carl
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #5
    Low Platelets
    I never had that happen but from what I've heard, I don't think that the mini-break will hurt you. It might have done more damage to have the chemo while your platelets were low...
    -p
  • steveandnat
    steveandnat Member Posts: 886
    #6
    Should be okay
    My platlets are usually low and I have to skip a week. I have only twice skipped two weeks and everything was okay. Sometimes I think it is good to give your body a rest but I'm like you and worry that without the chemo the tumors will come alive and grow. I've been getting chemo since jun 09 and I think the old body is getting worn down and takes longer to replinish the platelets. Pray everything works out but enjoy the non chemo days.
    Jeff
  • pete43lost_at_sea
    pete43lost_at_sea Member Posts: 3,900 Member
    #7
    the answer is possibly yes
    assuming the chemo is killing the tumour cells , if its not in the blood its not killing.

    that said its a factor of how fast yours will regrow.

    its an academic question in a sense because you have no option for chemo given the platelets.

    so i would ask why are the platlettes low, why did they not rebounce.

    the definition of insanity is what i am doing.
    the other definition is to continue doing the same thing and expecting a different result.

    so the answer lies in your biology, something has stopped the platlette production.
    if your onc has no magical pills, then you may consider an integrative and functional gp for a diet, lifestyle and supplement consultation. then again you may not want to go down that path, because it is expensive in terms of time, effort and commitment and the results are uncertain. but its an option my friend.

    given the situation i would try and make the most of the chemo break, a bit of a cleanse, a detox, you could heal your gut and do a few magical things since your system is being rested. i hope your well enough to enjoy some pleasant times.

    hugs,
    pete

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