Low white cell cell count--what to eat

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EissetB
EissetB Member Posts: 133
in Colorectal Cancer #1

When low on white cells count, isn't it good to eat food rich in iron? If so, what's the best to eat? 

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  • Bellen
    Bellen Member Posts: 281 Member
    #2
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    Raising white blood cells

    I have been told that there is really nothing that can raise white blood cells after having chemo, which knocks them down. I had my chemo cancelled early on as my neutrophil was 1.3 - told average is 2-7.  I have had my chemo when it was at 1.5 which is quite low.  From about 3rd chemo on, I have 5 days of white bone shots (neupogen or grastolfil).  They have side effects - mainly muscle aches - bone pain in the spine and sternum is what I get - take about 4 tylenol a day when I have them and this helps a lot.  Have heard claritin can be effective.  At first my shots were not covered (neupogen) and the drug company gave me compassionate vials to help with cost, as my insurance only covered a bit. They are very expensive.  Now I have grastofil. They help to raise WBC, so that you may not have to have your chemo cancelled.  Chemo compromises your immune system and this is not good.  Now, for hemoglobin (red cells) I believe there are foods (like iron rich) or other that will help raise, but I have had two blood transfusions when I was out of breath, and this really helped.  Anemia and low red cells can cause this - blood tranfusion helped quite a bit.  I'm sure there is a list on the internet.  I have a dietician at the cancer center who has been an excellent resource to maintain my weight as I am very thin.  A dietician can be very helpful.

  • ThomasH
    ThomasH Member Posts: 106 Member
    #3
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    Raising low counts

    I've also heard you can't really do much for raising your counts, but I've had good luck when I was on chemo. I just tried to make sure I at least had the building blocks available for my system by eating papaya and pomegranite juice. I also did a lot of juicing with lots of leafy greens and wheatgrass. If nothing else, I was at least getting some concentrated nutrition for the days I didn't feel like eating much. My blood counts stayed very close to the normal ranges almost all through my chemo. They dipped on the days I was actually taking the chemo, but they bounced right back within the week or so.

    I also think a dietician would be a real benefit. Not sure if that helps you or not, just my personal experience.

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