Why does WBC count too low for chemo make me cry?

abita
abita Member Posts: 1,152 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

So much has happened since my diagnosis. And it is so strange what makes me cry and what does not. Today, my WBC count was 1300, which is too low for chemo.

For some reason, this caused tears, and not just a little, it isn't boohooing, but I can't stop my eyes from welling up. Granted, because I am allergic to oxaliplatin, I have

to take alergy meds and steroids for 3 days to prep me and this makes me tired, and emotional. I am trying to look at the positive in that I am going on a short trip, so 

the extra non- chemo week means a tad more pep in my step. But instead I worry because it means getting on 4 weeks past, not ony 3.

Comments

  • Kazenmax
    Kazenmax Member Posts: 463 Member
    #2
    I had similar problems. I had

    I had similar problems. I had to skip two times in a row. The second time as the nurse was taking the iv out, I just sobbed. She tried to comfort me. She said it gives you another week to feel good. But that didn’t help. I was devastated. Scared that something would grow during the respute. 

    I know it’s hard But try to relax. Drink lots of water. I hope you can continue soon and get this done.

    k

     

  • abita
    abita Member Posts: 1,152 Member
    #3
    Kazenmax said:

    I had similar problems. I had

    I had similar problems. I had to skip two times in a row. The second time as the nurse was taking the iv out, I just sobbed. She tried to comfort me. She said it gives you another week to feel good. But that didn’t help. I was devastated. Scared that something would grow during the respute. 

    I know it’s hard But try to relax. Drink lots of water. I hope you can continue soon and get this done.

    k

     

    That was exactly it. Chemo

    That was exactly it. Chemo leaves system by 3 weeks, so can something grow in that extra week! Thank ou!

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #4
    Awww

    That happened to me too.  Every time I'd get my blood drawn it was too low and I'd have to wait a week or two to get it.  They decided to give me the booster shot to get my WBC where I'd be able to take treatment but if they didn't I'd never be able to continue treatment.  It made me cry too.  It was like you have your date set on the end of treatment and it keeps getting further out and further out.  The reason they won't give you treatment though is because if you have a low WBC and you cut yourself or get in an accident you could bleed out.  It does give you extra to feel better but I'm sure you just want to "just" get it over with.  The chemo keeps working even if you have to go another week or two.  Hope your counts get better soon.

    Kim

  • abita
    abita Member Posts: 1,152 Member
    #5
    Annabelle41415 said:

    Awww

    That happened to me too.  Every time I'd get my blood drawn it was too low and I'd have to wait a week or two to get it.  They decided to give me the booster shot to get my WBC where I'd be able to take treatment but if they didn't I'd never be able to continue treatment.  It made me cry too.  It was like you have your date set on the end of treatment and it keeps getting further out and further out.  The reason they won't give you treatment though is because if you have a low WBC and you cut yourself or get in an accident you could bleed out.  It does give you extra to feel better but I'm sure you just want to "just" get it over with.  The chemo keeps working even if you have to go another week or two.  Hope your counts get better soon.

    Kim

    Thanks. Yes worried about it

    Thanks. Yes worried about it stopping working that extra 2 weeks since I have those cells left from the tumors to kill and so looking for the end as it keeps getting pushed out. Last infusion,I did the finger stick to get count quicker because it takes so long for my infusion. Well, she didn't have the bandaid ready and by the time she did, from that little fist her stick, the blood was a puddle on the floor, and my hand was covered in blood. It stopped though.

  • Kzzararat
    Kzzararat Member Posts: 6
    #6
    When my counts were too low

    When my counts were too low for Chemo my Doctor (who is tough as nails) would send the nurse in to tell me before she came in.  I would be so mad and try to talk them in to chemo anyway. 

    It was the worst to be mentally ready to the point of looking forward to getting one more week behind you and then be told no.

  • abita
    abita Member Posts: 1,152 Member
    #7
    Kzzararat said:

    When my counts were too low

    When my counts were too low for Chemo my Doctor (who is tough as nails) would send the nurse in to tell me before she came in.  I would be so mad and try to talk them in to chemo anyway. 

    It was the worst to be mentally ready to the point of looking forward to getting one more week behind you and then be told no.

    I tried negotiating once. My

    I tried negotiating once. My doctor said do you think my decision will be based on anything other than keeping you safe, or something like that. Yeah, I definitely count down.

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