Low platelets/hemoglobin/white blood cells

Are tough to deal with.  I have had trouble with platelets, Red and white cells That atarted after I had radiation to my pelvis.  Most of our blood is made in our larger bones and pelvic reaction does a job on those large bones that are there.  Nuelasta kept my white cells high enough so that it only effected getting chemo once.  My red cells dropped down to 4.2 and I had two blood transfusions.  My biggest problems was the platelets, and I had chemo postpone many times because of it.  Two oncologists told me The was not much you could do to help the platelets or red cells since it was chemo caused, just needed time.  One,told me,that if it worked , he would tell he,to eat liver and turnips.  I didn’t know if it helped, but I,did eat liver.

Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

Anice,

My white count became non-existent 10 days in to chemo (ANC 0.02), so I received neupogen (short acting rescue) and then neulasta (long acting growth factor)  injections for all the remaining cycles.  The injections caused fatugue and musculoskeletal discomfort, which for some reason claritin helps. Take it the day before the shot. 

The very low platelets and low RBC that accompanied the low WBC made bruising more of a problem, and worsened the fatigue, but they did slowly return to normal after a few weeks when I was finished with the 6 cycles. 

If your surgery can be postponed until your blood counts recover a bit, it should help with healing and lessen the chance of infection. Your surgical team may have specific recommendations.  

Judi