Neutropenia

My third treatment...
Mike,

I remember that for my third treatment of FOLFOX my numbers were also low. I was told that I could not get my chemo that day. I started to cry and the nurse managed to get my oncologist (not known for her bedside manner) into the room to assure me that it was ok to miss that one week. She also told me that my LDH (tumor marker) was dropping so she knew that the tumors were shrinking. It turns out she was right.

But, I did have to start giving my self Neupogen shots at home. There are two shots I was offered, Neupogen (3 days in a row the week before chemo) and Neulasta (one shot by the nurse). I was told that the Neupogen was much cheaper to my insurance company and I always try to take the most prudent route with our insurance so I went with Neupogen. I would give myself the 3 shots at home and it was very easy to do. I am surprised that you were not offered that option to raise your counts. Perhaps you could ask your oncologist about the shots.

All the best,
Amy

taraHK said:

good news, bad news
Hi Mike,

I have had similar experience. Yes, it is a good news bad news scenario!

I'm not sure about the numbers. My onc seemed to concentratate on neutrophil count (part of white blood count). Had to be 1.5 or above to have chemo; he told me below 1 might have to be hospitalized. I dropped below 1.5 several times but never below 1.

When I was below 1.5, I had neupogen shots, which I chose to give myself at home. I did it for 4 days each time. My onc preferred that over the neulasta shot.

I was told that delaying chemo by one week (or even up to 3) does not diminish the effectiveness of the chemo.

Sorry you have had this setback. Try to enjoy the week off (chemo holiday?!) and let that body heal and restore.

Best wishes,
Tara

Counts
I'm not sure where you are in your chemo, but I've had one round and my counts are already below normal, but just barely, but red was before too. I know I thought about having to take time off from chemo and I'm wanting to just get on with it and over but doctor's know best - I think

Good luck in getting back to normal.

Kim

kmygil said:

Rock & a hard place
Hey Mike. Yeah, you get a mini vacation from chemo (yay!) but you delay your treatment (boo!) Yep, been there, done that. I was advised to stay away from kids, since they are notorious germ carriers from school, but when I asked about my dog, they said "no problem." So just stay semi-secluded and away from crowds. If you have to go to the supermarket or something, use their wipes on the buggy handles and wash your hands frequently. Other than that, take your meds and follow the diet; gotta get those neutrophils up! You'll be ok, but it's a pain.

Hugs,
Kirsten

to keep going on...
My Mom had to have Neulasta shots after her first chemo dose. She had to continue up to round #6 due to low blood counts. The shots gave her some bad side effects- but allowed her to coninue on the fight. I can remember how upset she was because only one round of chemo messed her up so soon.

She has foraged on and has only 3 rounds left. After round #6- several hospitalizations due to potassium, hydration, bowel obstruction- they dropped the oxi. She has not needed the neulasta since they dropped the oxi. It was causing her to be toxic.

You will get through this!

Susan

tootsie1 said:

Sorry
Hey, Mike.

I'm sorry you've had this little setback, but I'm sure you'll bounce back soon. Just rest and take care of yourself!

*hugs*
Gail

Mike....
I too had the infamous yayyyy week off but boooo extra week of chemo....WBC down..Neulasta then back again the next week for treatment..I ended up taking a Neulasta shot after each finishing up wednesday when they took out my needle from my port....$6000 and a week later my white blood counts were back to normal and it was business as usual.....Its normal so don't worry to much about it...If you do get a cold a Z-Pak will knock it in about 3 days..There is something to say about steroids and anti-biotics working well together...