White Blood Cell count down to 2,500 from 13,000 last week .. Now I'm on house lock down

VickiSam
VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Just when I thought I would have a few good days to be out and about .. I received the news this a.m. during my Herceptin treatment that my white blood blood count is down to 2,500. Yes, I was at 13,000 last Tuesday .. Onc and staff are pretty concerned..

What to do ?? Med's or vitiams ?


VickiSam
«1

Comments

  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #2
    Are you on Neulasta?
    VickiSam,

    My oncologist had me try my first chemo without Neulasta, and I also dipped to 2500 afterwards.

    So, for the subsequent ones, I did the Neulasta shot the day after each chemo, and my counts stayed nice and high -- 15,000-17,000 the whole time. And I was one of the lucky ones who didn't have too much pain after the shots -- I didn't even have to take any pain meds for it.

    Are you already doing Neulasta?

    Traci
  • outdoorgirl
    outdoorgirl Member Posts: 1,565
    #3
    Vicki,
    what does your onc have to say?
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #4
    outdoorgirl said:

    Vicki,
    what does your onc have to say?

    Traci and Outdoorgirl .. I am already on Neulasta
    I've had a total of 3 .. to coincide with my 3 TCH cocktails - this is why everyone is FREAKING out .. Including myself..

    My onc is the individual who put me on house arrest .. no one in, besides my family and I can not go out .. If my levels do not improve by Saturday, I will be going into the hospital.

    YIKES !!
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #5
    VickiSam said:

    Traci and Outdoorgirl .. I am already on Neulasta
    I've had a total of 3 .. to coincide with my 3 TCH cocktails - this is why everyone is FREAKING out .. Including myself..

    My onc is the individual who put me on house arrest .. no one in, besides my family and I can not go out .. If my levels do not improve by Saturday, I will be going into the hospital.

    YIKES !!

    Yikes is right...
    So you just have to be difficult, don't you? :-) Or it's just your white blood cells that have to be coaxed out of hiding?

    Seriously, I'm so sorry the Neulasta isn't working for you -- I haven't heard of that before. In most cases, I think your white blood cell count will come back up by itself -- I really hope that's the case for you, even if it's a frustrating few days for you waiting for that to happen.

    Traci
  • outdoorgirl
    outdoorgirl Member Posts: 1,565
    #6
    VickiSam said:

    Traci and Outdoorgirl .. I am already on Neulasta
    I've had a total of 3 .. to coincide with my 3 TCH cocktails - this is why everyone is FREAKING out .. Including myself..

    My onc is the individual who put me on house arrest .. no one in, besides my family and I can not go out .. If my levels do not improve by Saturday, I will be going into the hospital.

    YIKES !!

    Vicki
    they had a time of it with my blood counts after all my chemo was over,and I had Neulasta shots after every chemo,and then Aranesp shots when my chemo was through.
    They drew my blood once a week after chemo was over until my blood levels slowly rose back to more normal limits.
    I hope that your levels improve!Rest,rest and more rest!
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #7
    outdoorgirl said:

    Vicki
    they had a time of it with my blood counts after all my chemo was over,and I had Neulasta shots after every chemo,and then Aranesp shots when my chemo was through.
    They drew my blood once a week after chemo was over until my blood levels slowly rose back to more normal limits.
    I hope that your levels improve!Rest,rest and more rest!

    Vicki
    Vicki,
    I am very sorry. Try to stay away from infection, including cleaning your house and pets.
    Because you are already on Neulasta I hope they will come back. Rest and vitamins could be useful.
    Hugs
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #8
    New Flower said:

    Vicki
    Vicki,
    I am very sorry. Try to stay away from infection, including cleaning your house and pets.
    Because you are already on Neulasta I hope they will come back. Rest and vitamins could be useful.
    Hugs

    Thanks everyone !
    I truly appreciate all of your input.

    Vicki
  • mickeymom
    mickeymom Member Posts: 117
    #9
    You might be fighting a bug
    The same thing happened to me. At the time of my 4th A/C treatment and Neulasta shot I had a runny nose. The Oncologist thought it was probably just a chemo side effect and the little cough that went with it was stuff running down my throat. They sent me home with a white count of 11,000.

    A few days later my cough got much worse so they put me on an antibiotic and told me to stay at home and get lots of rest. In an effort to stay relaxed I sat outside for a while and managed to sunburn my legs. It wasn't a bad burn, but apparently bad enough to cause my white cells to kick in and try to heal it.

    Two days later I ended up with a fever of 102.5 and symptoms of a urinary tract infection and the oncologist sent me to the ER. They found my white count at 600. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days on IV antibiotics and neupogen shots (a neulasta type drug). I left the hospital with a count of 14,000. There is even a name for it - neutropenic. If I remember what they said then it's right around 2,500 that they start to worry, so I'm sure you on the top of you doctor's list.

    I'm not trying to scare you. This is something that can happen on chemo and that's why they test your white count all the time. The good thing is they know just what to do. YOu might not need it anyway. I'm sure they told you but make sure to call your doctor is you have any kind of fever or you think you're catching something. There are so many germs out there right now - you're probably fighting off things you don't even know about.

    Hang in there! Drink LOTS of water to stay hydrated (also a problem with catching things). You're in my prayers - Debbie
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #10
    mickeymom said:

    You might be fighting a bug
    The same thing happened to me. At the time of my 4th A/C treatment and Neulasta shot I had a runny nose. The Oncologist thought it was probably just a chemo side effect and the little cough that went with it was stuff running down my throat. They sent me home with a white count of 11,000.

    A few days later my cough got much worse so they put me on an antibiotic and told me to stay at home and get lots of rest. In an effort to stay relaxed I sat outside for a while and managed to sunburn my legs. It wasn't a bad burn, but apparently bad enough to cause my white cells to kick in and try to heal it.

    Two days later I ended up with a fever of 102.5 and symptoms of a urinary tract infection and the oncologist sent me to the ER. They found my white count at 600. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days on IV antibiotics and neupogen shots (a neulasta type drug). I left the hospital with a count of 14,000. There is even a name for it - neutropenic. If I remember what they said then it's right around 2,500 that they start to worry, so I'm sure you on the top of you doctor's list.

    I'm not trying to scare you. This is something that can happen on chemo and that's why they test your white count all the time. The good thing is they know just what to do. YOu might not need it anyway. I'm sure they told you but make sure to call your doctor is you have any kind of fever or you think you're catching something. There are so many germs out there right now - you're probably fighting off things you don't even know about.

    Hang in there! Drink LOTS of water to stay hydrated (also a problem with catching things). You're in my prayers - Debbie

    Debbie .. Doctors described exactly
    what you wrote about .. catching the flu, fighting off infections. I'm just plain scared, because nothing has changed ..

    Thanks for the posting, and the prayers.


    VickiSam
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #11
    VickiSam said:

    Debbie .. Doctors described exactly
    what you wrote about .. catching the flu, fighting off infections. I'm just plain scared, because nothing has changed ..

    Thanks for the posting, and the prayers.


    VickiSam

    Vicki my count went down to
    Vicki my count went down to 1.9 after my first chemo on 10/6. I was advised to do exactly what you were advised. I stayed in the house, and rested, rested, and rested. Washed fruit with soap and water and rinsed it for a minute, also washed my hands constantly and sanitized most everything. I avoided everyone but my husband. I also drank a lot, water and tea and juice. I'm on 2 different antibiotics for cellulitis. Yesterday the count was up to 6.3. I also received the neulasta shot day after chemo. It's scary but I tried not to worry and tried to put my focus on pleasant things like my granchildren, I also watched funny TV shows. When people started telling me negative things, or talked about someone they knew in treatment, I just said I dont want to hear this, because I didnt have any extra energy to give. Hope this helps some. The best help will be a boost in your white count. I believe it will happen. prayers and hugs.
  • always
    always Member Posts: 256
    #12
    Hang in there.
    From all the previous posts it sounds like your doctors are on top of this and it has happened to others. So hang in there. I was just researching this the other day because I have my first Chemo in 3 hours so I wanted to know how I could work on keeping my white blood count up if they don't give me Neulasta shot. The foods that I found that will help your body boost white count are listed. It isn't a solution. But one more thing you can do to feel in control of the situation.

    Yoghurt,Garlic.Oysters,Pot roast, Dark meat turkey, Pumpkin
    Squash seeds, Shitake mushrooms, Spinach, Carrots, Melon,
    Oranges. Fish oil, Beet root, Milk , Figs, Boiled eggs ,
    Green Grams. Pulses, Legumes. Cereals , Asparagus, Broccoli
    Cauliflower, Strawberries

    I am not even sure what some of these are. I know this isn't a cure all, also I am not wanting to sound like I am minimizing your situation. I would be freaked out! But, this would be the first thing I would be reaching for while I waited for more instructions from the professionals.

    My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

    always
    Becky
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #13
    VIckiSam, what are we going
    VIckiSam, what are we going to do with you??? I'm so sorry that you're having another setback. I agree with Becky's email regarding the foods to eat to increase your white blood count. I had a problem with my platelet count while on chemo and I researched the foods that raised the count and made sure to include them in my diet. It actually helped within a week and I was back in the normal range. I know it doesn't seem like it now but one day this will be a distant memory. You can get through it. Just rest and rest some more right now. Do as the doctor ordered and I hope you are better very soon. Take care and keep us posted. A gentle hug being sent your way.
  • Sam726
    Sam726 Member Posts: 233
    #14
    MyTurnNow said:

    VIckiSam, what are we going
    VIckiSam, what are we going to do with you??? I'm so sorry that you're having another setback. I agree with Becky's email regarding the foods to eat to increase your white blood count. I had a problem with my platelet count while on chemo and I researched the foods that raised the count and made sure to include them in my diet. It actually helped within a week and I was back in the normal range. I know it doesn't seem like it now but one day this will be a distant memory. You can get through it. Just rest and rest some more right now. Do as the doctor ordered and I hope you are better very soon. Take care and keep us posted. A gentle hug being sent your way.

    Hi VickiSam
    Im so sorry you are going thru this...I have no advice but you are in my prayers:) Stay strong sister!!
  • debe999
    debe999 Member Posts: 2
    #15
    white blood counts
    I just finished my fourth A/C treatment. After the first treatment my white blood cell counts were very low - I developed an infection and was put on an antibiotic. I did receive the neulasta shot but it didn't seem to work for me. For the next three treatments I also received neulasta, but every time I went in for my weekly bloodwork, I had very low white blood cell counts. Each time I was put on an antibiotic and was given daily neupogen shots for 5 days. That seemed to work, although the shots and the bone pain were not very pleasant. Now i'm on to Taxol/Herceptin - I hope my white blood cells do better with this new medicine! The doctor said that with weekly doses, I may not have as much trouble keeping up my counts. I hope he's right!

    DebE
  • e_hope
    e_hope Member Posts: 370
    #16
    Vicki... nothing you can do
    Vicki... nothing you can do to help this.. you just need to make sure your not being exposed to too many sick people.. I had nustala shots after all 8 of my chemos and my wbc is at its lowest point now .. 1.9... and I am 8 weeks from my last chemo.. and I still go about my daily business...
  • e_hope
    e_hope Member Posts: 370
    #17
    Vicki... nothing you can do
    ugh double post
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #18
    e_hope said:

    Vicki... nothing you can do
    Vicki... nothing you can do to help this.. you just need to make sure your not being exposed to too many sick people.. I had nustala shots after all 8 of my chemos and my wbc is at its lowest point now .. 1.9... and I am 8 weeks from my last chemo.. and I still go about my daily business...

    E-Hope my counts were 1.9
    E-Hope my counts were 1.9 after my first chemo. I'll be 67 in January. I'm also taking antibiotics for an infection which developed after my 2nd surgery. I had no energy to do much of anything other than cook dinner do a load of laundry and sit. I'm amazed that you can go on with your daily routine with a 1.9 count. I'm thinking that you may be much younger? if we are close in age, then it again proves how different we all are and how differently we respond to treatment and meds.
  • Bella Luna
    Bella Luna Member Posts: 1,578 Member
    #19
    My thoughts are with You...
    Hi Vicki,

    Sending nothing but good thoughts and prayers your way. Hang tight, you'll get through this. Your white blood cell will go back up. In the meanwhile, follow the docs advice. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

    Fondly,
    BL
  • e_hope
    e_hope Member Posts: 370
    #20
    natly15 said:

    E-Hope my counts were 1.9
    E-Hope my counts were 1.9 after my first chemo. I'll be 67 in January. I'm also taking antibiotics for an infection which developed after my 2nd surgery. I had no energy to do much of anything other than cook dinner do a load of laundry and sit. I'm amazed that you can go on with your daily routine with a 1.9 count. I'm thinking that you may be much younger? if we are close in age, then it again proves how different we all are and how differently we respond to treatment and meds.

    Natly.. yes.. I am 31 years
    Natly.. yes.. I am 31 years younger than you.. I agree everyone's body reacts differently r/t age, lifestyle, and physical health... I have too I have 3 very young kids who don't care if mommy doesn't feel good.
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #21
    e_hope said:

    Natly.. yes.. I am 31 years
    Natly.. yes.. I am 31 years younger than you.. I agree everyone's body reacts differently r/t age, lifestyle, and physical health... I have too I have 3 very young kids who don't care if mommy doesn't feel good.

    E-Hope thanks for
    E-Hope thanks for responding. You being 31 years younger gives me additional license to just sit. :) I raised 2 very active boys, so my heart goes out to you. I cant even imagine raising 3 young children while dealing with this. You women on this website continually amaze me.

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