Low platelets.

[Paulo1976]

Hi all, my mum is just going through chemo for small cell lung cancer. She has just had her second treatment, which was carboplatin and etoposide. This knocked for six and she has been in hospital with low white blood cells, low haemoglobin and has no immune system. I appreciate these are common side effects. As a result, mum has had a blood transfusion and her levels are rising, which is good. However, her platelets are low and reducing. She is on blood thinners for a clot on her lung and wondered if these could effect the platelets? Also, going forward, what would be the expected treatment to treat these low levels? There is talk of a platelet transfusion as a last resort. Because of all this, her next chemo will now be put back. Any thoughts or anyone experienced this would we welcomed. Thanks for reading.

[ShortyJ]

I’m sorry to hear about your mom. My husband had low platelets when cancer spread to his kidneys. I hope it’s a side effect of chemo for your mom.

[CT20232024]

Just want to send support Paulo! I am not currently diagnosed with cancer though thought to have NSCLC with a rescan in July. One of my sisters, likely both, had small cell. My younger sister underwent chemo and at times had low blood levels. They would hold off chemo a week or so and the levels would increase. You also mentioned other interventions your mom's doc can consider to increase levels. Sending healing thoughts to you and your mom!

[Jenniferroseolson]

Paulo, I am writing to send best wishes, but I cannot offer much advice. I did not have this experience when I had Carboplatin plus pemetrexed, but I agree that the carboplatin does really knock you down, create fatigue that is so difficult to manage. My treatment with Carboplatin was only six rounds, and once I dropped that and had only the other drug infusion, I started to feel much better. Keep advocating for your mum. Best wishes, Jennifer

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

my treatment was Cisplatin and etopicide. My chemo was postponed a week after the first one because my levels were so low. With a week's break the numbers were up and I could have treatment.

My numbers dropped again after the second round of chemo. They didn't come back up after another one week break so they gave me a transfusion. This was repeated again after the third round and my numbers were so low three weeks after the last one ended they gave me transfusions again. Six units of blood all together. 13 years later I'm still borderline anemic.

The blood thinner would not affect the platelet level. If it's the white platelet level you are asking about, Neupogin and Neulasta are two treatments that can be given to increase white blood cell production. She might benefit from either one. If you go to the infusion center with her, ask the nurse to contact the doctor to request one.

[davidjroberts]

I'm sorry to hear about your mum's challenges. It sounds like she's facing a difficult time with her treatment. Yes, blood thinners can indeed affect platelet levels, which can result in lower platelet counts.

In terms of treatment for low platelet levels, platelet transfusions are indeed an option, especially if her levels drop dangerously low and there's a risk of bleeding.

Other strategies to manage low platelet levels might include adjusting her chemotherapy regimen, delaying treatment until her platelet levels recover sufficiently.

I hope her platelet counts return to normal soon, and I wish her a speedy recovery.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to davidjroberts]

I stand corrected. Thank you.