Doxetaxel chemotherapy cycle 3, Managing well for time being, but a question ❓

[Mrtroxely]

So chemo 3, white blood cells low....Oncologist was considering delay.....1.4 white blood cell count.

Question 1, anything I can do to help replace white blood cells???

Question 2, PSA rose 0.07 to 0.09 which is first time I've seen a raise in value???

I'd expect chemo to kill, and negate PSA rise???

Practical sense

My concern is chemo is hitting me and not the cancer and PSA emitted from it?

Has any one got experience with this??

Thanks guys

[Finlay66]

Are you given Filgrastim to self inject after chemo? This boosts white blood cells with some side effects such as a rash. I wouldn't worry too much with a PSA that low.

[Mrtroxely in reply to Finlay66]

Yep got 4 injections of filgrastim to take on day 5I've cut out the daily predisolone steriods.

Get hungry, can't sleep well and make me wired....

Seem be doing ok.

Bit concerned with PSA, but will see on next blood test.

My head says it should stay same or reduce.

I've heard sometimes chemo can agrivate and anger the cancer???

Thanks for reply dude

[Finlay66 in reply to Mrtroxely]

Interesting. I take 7 injections daily from day 3. They are definitely the culprits in terms of a rash. I'm told Predisolone is essential to help the chemo work. I'm about to start cycle 9 of 10.

[Mrtroxely in reply to Finlay66]

Was taking 7 injections daily after day 4/5 but gave lot bone pain.....So reduced to 4 and see how goes....

Predisolone has now been shown to make no benifit to chemo.

Just helps with energy and appitite.

New study, spoke to the chemo chemist about it.

So no predisolone, just handle chemo side effects and filgrastim side effects.

Less tablets.....

[Finlay66 in reply to Mrtroxely]

I might ask if I can begin to come off Predisolene or wait to the last cycle. I have a feeling chemo is doing no more than keeping things stable but perhaps that's the best I can hope for? No signs of cancer progression in the last set of scans.

[Mrtroxely in reply to Finlay66]

Good news dude.Scary, and worring business this....

Balancing act with time left on planet and UK practicalities....

[Tall_Allen]

Neulasta (or similar) is a good idea with chemo. Some places use it routinely after each infusion, some don't.

[Mrtroxely in reply to Tall_Allen]

I was talking to oncologist chemist who issues chemo She said before covid, neulasta/filgrastim was not routinely issued.

They'd monitor the patient more....

Covid and new rules came and just gave everyone 7 doses.... Cheaper and easier than monitoring individuals.

I'd I don't have to take something and my body can help, I'd prefer this first!!!

[Tall_Allen in reply to Mrtroxely]

Many places use it and have always used it routinely. I'm not sure what you are saying. It does involve taking something that stimulates white blood cell production. It should be taken with Claritin and plenty of water.

[Finlay66 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Agreed. Claritin or similar can help with allergic reaction. I prefer to follow advice to the letter. As a result I think I'm coping with chemo well. At the last scan there were indications that cancer has regressed from the lymphnodes. Finger crossed.

[Dastardly in reply to Mrtroxely]

After my 2nd chemo in 2019, I developed neutropenic sepsis. Subsequently, I had to self- inject Filgrastim for 10 days after each cycle. This was SOC at the time when white cells were compromised.

[Brianne07]

As in replies from others I had the same, low whit blood cells but self injected once a month to bring up to a minimum level .They would do blood tests 2 days before hand to check all was well before giving Doxetaxel .I was on hormone therapy and still am back in in January then in February started Chemo 6 rounds .Stopped chemo about 8 weeks ago.MY PSA originally was 370 now down to 0.08.But unlikely to go down any more .My professor is talking about putting me on Zytiga when i see him in 2 weeks .I would say you have had an excellent result after only 3 rounds of chemo.Lets see how your going after 6 rounds of chemo??