WBC very low: Hi, This is the first... - Advanced Prostate...

Advanced Prostate Cancer

22,348 members28,110 posts

WBC very low

pacificlover profile image
11 Replies

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.

Written by
pacificlover profile image
pacificlover
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
11 Replies
APK3 profile image
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 profile image
pacificlover in reply toAPK3

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

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen

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

pacificlover profile image
pacificlover in reply toTall_Allen

Thank you - we'll get an antihisitimine

LearnAll profile image
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 profile image
pacificlover

Thank you for this hopeful and positive reply.

Nusch profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
pacificlover in reply toMike1971

Good to hear it worked as intended.

Tinuriel profile image
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 profile image
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

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Seeking Post-RP Advice for Very High Risk, G9, Low PSA

I had RP in Aug 2019 at 56 years of age. Pre-surgery PSA was 5.3. Pathology showed G9, negative...
DJBUNK profile image

Stage four very aggressive prostate cancer

Hi all. Any advice would be great. My dad is 65. Diagnosed very suddenly last august with very...
patriciap profile image

Xtandi/ UTI with Foley/ low hemoglobin

This is going to be too long! It my first attempt at connecting with this group. I have learned so...
Abigayle profile image

Very slow start getting treatment and diagnosis

Hi everyone, My dad went to the doctor recently and discovered he has a psa of 255. His doctor...

WBC good -Leg Pain Bad

Hello everyone. My CBC this week had the best numbers since April before we started Xofigo. The...
BigTex3 profile image

Moderation team

Bethishere profile image
BethishereAdministrator
Number6 profile image
Number6Administrator
Darryl profile image
DarrylPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.