White blood cells very low

sylva
sylva Member Posts: 80
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
They did the chemo treatment on June 4. The doctor decided not to give me the Neulasta shot because it seems it was always higher than the normal. Last week the WBC where 2.9, today 2.5. All the rest is within normal range. Now I'm anxious because next week I'm supposed to get the last chemo treatment, but if it continues being so low I won't be able to get it.
Anyone had the same experience? I ask the doctor if I can do anything to help raise it, but he said that not. ???
I feel good and with energy, but it's the danger of getting any bug or virus that's going around.

Comments

  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #2
    Hi Sylva, it's normal for the blood cell counts to go down the 2 weeks after treatment. Hopefully, they will start going up this week. My oncologist suggested I take a multi vitamin during chemo, which I think spared me from getting sick. I only developed a cold after my 1st infusion and then never got sick again. I also tried eating healthy foods and lots of fruits and vegetables. Glad you're feeling good and I'll be praying your counts go up so that you can get your last infusion and we can all celebrate with you. Hugs, Lili
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    Lili is right, its normal for your wbc to plummet after each treatment and then slowly bounce back just enough for the next treatment 3 weeks later. My wbc bounced back enough except after my 4th treatment of AC so the doc postponed my next treatment for a week and then I was able to stick to schedule for the rest. My white count stayed at about 2.5 for many months after my last treatment and now 2 yrs later it is still not where it was before treatment(and I still get sick far less than my friends and family!). I'm telling you all this so you will know that this happens and it is normal. Eventually our bodies will return to balance and we will feel at peace with the whole experience. Hang in there, everything will be ok.
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #4
    I echo the thoughts of the women who posted about the counts being low mid-way through. My Dr did give me Neulasta, as he also said there isn't much we can do to raise our white count. There are things we can do for the Red Count, but White is not very receptive to food/mulit-vitamins, etc.

    I stayed home as much as possible during the few days when it was more likely I might catch something...and I kept anti-bacterial hand sanitizer with me if I had to go to the market or something. Generally we don't get sick from our family members~ it's the outsiders who affect us. You do know that IF you get a slight temperature, even a few degrees, to call your Dr so that you can be put on meds immediately! Your depleted white cells will not be able to stave off infection, and you will need outside intervention!

    Don't fret too much~ it is all part of the process, and will be in your past soon enough!

    Hugs,
    Claudia

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