WBC still low 6 months after chemo is over...

[AmandaHK]

Hi ladies, I was on Carboplatin, Taxol (weekly) and still on Avastin at the moment. It has been 6 months since chemo is over but in my recent blood tests my white blood cell count, including neutrophil, is still quite low. While the onc and nurses said it's not down to dangerous levels and nothing to worry about, ie I do not have higher risk of infections, I wonder if there's anything I can do about it. I've just recovered from a really really bad flu, the worst I have had since I was a kid and one week on I'm still feeling very fatigued. I can't help but think that it's because of my weakened immune system. One of the nurses suggests that I continue to take supplements like Prosure, but I've never liked having them and unsure if that would actually help. If you wonderful ladies have any experience to share, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks, Amanda

[Hidden]

Hi Amanda, if this helps I have been on Avastin for twelve months and my bloods have never been "normal". WBC, platelets Neuts and Lymp are all really low. I picked up the chest virus at xmas and felt really unwell and needed two lots of strong antibiotics and a month to get over it but besides that I have been fine all the year. I see my oncologist every twelve weeks and my bloods are done every three weeks and nothing has ever been said so I think nothing of it. I have an autoimmune disease as well as OC and I do take probiotics and other supplements but who knows if they are helping!! Hope this gives you some reassurance. Stay strong big hug Gilly xx

[AmandaHK in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Gilly! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one. I wonder if our blood counts will bet go back to normal! Oh well.... I will try not to think too much about it! Take care and stay well! Cheers, Amanda

[Hidden]

I also had bad sinus trouble for about two months or more with three antibiotics, I was sent for more bloods to see if I had something like sarcodosis but it came back clear. My gp said that my immune system would be low from the Avastin, I am on it for 16 months now. I started taking immune support from seven seas that did seem to help with the tiredness. But Avastin can really knock you at times and at those times you just sit down or lie down and rest. I get my bloods every three weeks when getting Avastin and nothing is ever said to be honest. I know if I over do stuff, I do get worse so really we have to pace ourselves, wishing you well

[AmandaHK in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Suzuki, I hear you! I get tired very easily as well which is dampening my moods esp since I was very active before, but keep reminding myself to be thankful. Wasn't told Avastin would have an effect on immune system, have always thought that was an aftermath of chemo!

[Hidden]

Yes I overdid it yesterday and today my legs are so heavy, I went bag packing so in all honesty what did I expect. Yes well they said to me that my immune system is probably still low. I did take immune support seven seas for a few weeks, am wondering about the vit D but we are getting plenty at the moment as its so sunny. Another thing is that make sure you wear sunglasses in this weather sun isnt too good for the eyes when on treatment.

[AmandaHK in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Suzuki. I will also take a look at Seven Seas. Thanks for the sunglasses tip! I am still wearing hats most of the times so often forget the glasses!

[Slartibartfast]

Hi there ... just to let you know if my WBC are low I take Echinacea - which boosts your immune system by increasing your WBC. I also take probiotics and modified citrus pectin to help my gut, which is thoroughly damaged by chemo and lowers your immune system. I also take Multi vits and minerals, fish oil and extra Vit C. All this is thoroughly frowned on by mainstream medicine - basically as there are no scientific studies done to prove it is good or bad, so they tell you not to take anything! So - it is up to you whether you would like to take such supplements to help reboost your WBC and your immune system ... but just thought I would 'put it out there' to you just in case you do! The chemo does a good job of killing off cancer cells but completely knackers most other systems of the body, so my thinking is that I need to help it to rebuild after being knocked down. You could look at a book called Shattering the Cancer Myth by Katrina Ellis - loads of info in there. Good luck xx

[AmandaHK in reply to Slartibartfast]

thank you Slartibartfast! I will certainly have a look at the book. I do believe in taking supplements and have been taking extra vitamins and modified citrus pectin as well. I saw Echinacea (fluid) in a store the other day and was wondering about it! Will do a bit more reading. I was told something called Blue Green Algae and Beres Drops would help me but they sound a bit too unfamiliar to me.....

[Slartibartfast in reply to AmandaHK]

Go the Echinacea ... it is worth a try! Good luck, matey