WBC very low

[pacificlover]

Hi,

This is the first time I have posted, but I have learned a great deal from all your posts.

My husband had his first chemo - docetaxel last week. Today, one week later, his WBC decreased from 6.83 to 0.66. Is this usual? Should we be frightened?

The doctor said they would give him a peg-filgrastin shot the day after his next infusion, in two weeks.

Thank you for any insights.

[APK3]

Not unusual. The shot brings those numbers back up. Just finished my 6th infusion. Got the shot the next day after each one.. Might get some Claritin it helps with potential pain..

[pacificlover in reply to APK3]

Thank you - congratulations on your 6th infusion. We'll take your suggestion and get some Claritin

[Tall_Allen]

Neulasta is given to prevent that. It should be given with an antihistamine.

[pacificlover in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you - we'll get an antihisitimine

[LearnAll]

The basic mechanism of Chemotherapy is that it kills ALL cells which are growing/multiplying which include multiplying cancer cells. So you see hairs falling, nails not growing and blood cells stop multiplying causing low WBC, low RBC and Low platelets. But later on they all starts growing AGAIN. I once saw a lady who went thru Chemo and months later she had new hairs which were shiny and healthy.. better than her previous hairs.

[pacificlover]

Thank you for this hopeful and positive reply.

[Nusch]

During the days of such a low WBC my doctors recommended some additional medications to prevent infections. Bacteria come from outside, so he should avoid to work in the garden e.g., or from inside (lung, gut). As TA said, Neulasta was also a must for my doctors, together with antihistamine.

[Mike1971]

Hi pacificlover,

I don’t think it’s unusual. When I was treated with docetaxel I had to give myself Filgrastim shots due to low white blood cells. I remember the side effect to be pain in the bones, but the shots worked as intended.

[pacificlover in reply to Mike1971]

Good to hear it worked as intended.

[Tinuriel]

Same - After the first infusion he's had it with each of the last nine and low WBC hasn't been a problem since.

[j-o-h-n]

WBC stands for white blood cell, and it's also called a leukocyte.

Greetings pacifierlover,

If possible try not to abbr (especially for us dummies). It would be a good idea to update your dear Husband's profile (biography). It usually helps you and helps us too. (Age? Location? Treatment(s) to date, Treatment center(s), Medication(s), Doctor's name(s) and etc.). All information is voluntary. Thank you!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n