standard lab testing

vchildbeloved
vchildbeloved Member Posts: 133
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Good morning, this is Valerie, stage 3, 1 positive node. I had my standard bloodwork before my scheduled chemo today. My platelets and other blood tests came up lower than the last test. Haven't had a chance to talk with dr. yet to see why, or if they will cancel my chemo for today. This is only my second chemo treatment day. Has this happen to anyone else? What do they ususally do?

Comments

  • pamness
    pamness Member Posts: 524 Member
    #2
    Yes, it happened to me a few times. My red cell count dropped at one point and they gave me a shot for it. My potassium was always low and they would give me some IV. My white cell count got really low at one point and they cancelled my chemo. The numbers did bounce around a bit. My counts didn't change in a consistent pattern. Sometimes they were just better than others. I am sure your doctor will answer your questions. My oncologist didn't find it odd that mine bounced around. I am sure there are many people with more informed answers than mine. But, luckily my blood work/results, were only problematic a few times. Best of luck.

    Pam
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #3
    Hi Valerie,
    Unfortunately, it is pretty normal for blood counts to dip (or rise) a little as a result of chemo. Your doctor probably has "cut offs" in mind. If your white blood count falls below or a certain level, or your red count, they may recommend boosting it (thro drugs or transfusion) or may advise delaying chemo by a week or so. I had to have shots to boost my white blood count, and had some supplements to assist my liver counts. Once or twice I had my chemo delayed by a week or so until my counts got to the required level. Although this can be discouraging, my oncologist told me it has been shown scientifically that a delay of up to 2-3 weeks does not decrease the efficiency of chemo. If you want to know, you can ask your doctor what the 'cut-offs' are. My impression is that the white cell and the red cell are the most critical. I had problems with my white but not my red -- others are different. Sometimes there is some "wiggle room" on the cut-offs -- but other doctors are very firm. Good luck!! Talk with your doc about ways you can help keep those counts up, through nutrition, etc. Good luck!
  • claud1951
    claud1951 Member Posts: 424 Member
    #4
    Valerie,
    As the other two ladies have stated, yes, this is normal and your Doctor may start giving you a shot.

    I will advise you (as I'm sure the Onc Nurses have already), you need to be careful, now, who you are around. You don't want to be around sick people with viruses (if you can help it). In crowds. Wash your hands or use the dry wash for your hands. Specially after handling grocery carts, etc.
    Your immune system will weaken.

    I don't want to scare you, but that's what happens when your counts start getting low. You're more apt to catch something.

    I even had to wear gloves and a mask when I wanted to feed the birds.

    If the nurses or Doctor haven't said anything to you, ask them about it.

    Hope you can get all your chemo in. Mine did go low but never low enough I couldn't take chemo (or like Tara said) the nurse might have "let me have it" because it was in that margin.

    Best of luck to you
    Claudia ..Stage 3 with 2 lymph nodes postitive
  • vchildbeloved
    vchildbeloved Member Posts: 133
    #5
    claud1951 said:

    Valerie,
    As the other two ladies have stated, yes, this is normal and your Doctor may start giving you a shot.

    I will advise you (as I'm sure the Onc Nurses have already), you need to be careful, now, who you are around. You don't want to be around sick people with viruses (if you can help it). In crowds. Wash your hands or use the dry wash for your hands. Specially after handling grocery carts, etc.
    Your immune system will weaken.

    I don't want to scare you, but that's what happens when your counts start getting low. You're more apt to catch something.

    I even had to wear gloves and a mask when I wanted to feed the birds.

    If the nurses or Doctor haven't said anything to you, ask them about it.

    Hope you can get all your chemo in. Mine did go low but never low enough I couldn't take chemo (or like Tara said) the nurse might have "let me have it" because it was in that margin.

    Best of luck to you
    Claudia ..Stage 3 with 2 lymph nodes postitive

    Claudia how long has it been for you, and how are you doing now?

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