Bev'sSister Posted October 17, 2006 Share Posted October 17, 2006 My sister went for her second round of chemo, but was told by her dr. that her white count was too low and he would try again next monday. Is this normal? Are there things she can do to make her counts go up? Natural or RX's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted October 17, 2006 Share Posted October 17, 2006 Yes, chemo can knock down the blood count, both white and red, since it is fast growing cells. My wife got Neulasta shots to keep her white blood cell count within a reasonable range. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted October 17, 2006 Share Posted October 17, 2006 You've probably seen the commercial where the people are saying "I'm ready to fight my cancer". This is for Neulasta, it is very normal for the cells to drop. I would definitely call and make sure she is getting this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted October 17, 2006 Share Posted October 17, 2006 Unfortunatley this is a common effect of chemo. Alan's white blood cells completely tanked. they will skip chemo until safe enough to continue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted October 18, 2006 Share Posted October 18, 2006 White Blood Cells are very important. These are the infection fighting cells. A common cold can be very serious with Low WBCell counts. Neulasta for Whites and Aranesp for Red Blood Cell Counts. Reds are energy cells. this is normal and treatable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted October 20, 2006 Share Posted October 20, 2006 I got neupogen (sp)-Very similar injections-but cheaper. Everytime my wbc got low. Good luck Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodogs Posted October 21, 2006 Share Posted October 21, 2006 FWIW I had the same problem and, like Cindy, I took Neupogen until they could restart my chemo. Coincidentally, I was also taking Epogen on alternate weeks for my red cell count. It's been over three years now and I still take Epogen every three weeks but my white counts are now okay. I know it's tough but hang in there. Give your Sis my best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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