Neutrophils

[Katiebairdie]

Hello

I have been having weekly taxol. First was a series of weekly doses, all fine. Then three months off. Now I’m back on weekly does, first two were fine but my blood test for the third was low on neutrophils so sent home. I’ve now had a blood test again and they have dropped even lower so another week off. I’m told there is nothing that I can do to improve the situation.

Does anyone know if there is a magic diet/pill/solution?

Kathy

[delia2]

Hi. I have no firsthand knowledge but in the US they give a neulasta shot for this. On this site I think people have talked about papaya tea maybe. Hopefully more knowledgeable people will chime in. I just wanted to say I hope it improves soon. Xo

[Katiebairdie in reply to delia2]

Thank you. I’m just frustrated as I feel so well.

[Eriksendi]

I had injections to boost my neutrophils after suffering from neutropenia sepsis. Had shots after each chemo.

[Katiebairdie in reply to Eriksendi]

I’ll make enquiries thanks

[Boot1947]

Hi Katie! It’s SO frustrating, isn’t it? When my neutrophils took to diving down after weekly Carbo/taxol, they used to prescribe G-CSF injections, which I used to stick in my tum (not as bad as it sounds, honest!) three days before each chemo session. Hope your team can sort things for you - delays are a pain in the bum (rather than the tum!). Deb x

[Katiebairdie]

I think it might something you can only get in USA but I will ask.

Thanks

[Chick44nzrn]

Dear Kathy, how are you getting on today? It is of course a worry with neutrofils not being exactly robust but I have managed to stay stronger with taking added supplements for the last six months which I feel has helped a lot .

For you information I have selenium, zinc, magnesium, turmeric, glucosamine, Manuka honey, ,vitamins D B C, and omega3 !! Over the Taxol chemo and after I had problems with white cells, neutrofils , so honestly I don’t know if the supplements have been significant but with stage 3 (breast cancer) a huge tumour etc etc I believe it’s helped ..

All best wishes Kathy

Denise xx

[Katiebairdie in reply to Chick44nzrn]

I am taking some of those but will rush of to a pharmacy for a couple of the others. Thanks.

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi Katie,

Had no experience myself but I think it’s just time..

Fruit (especially melon), veg, soups, sunshine, rest..

Really hope they increase soon.

Linda x

[Katiebairdie]

I am beginning to look like a piece of broccoli but I’ll keep on with veg and soup. Sunshine is a problem 😗

xx

[magicgirl7]

When I was having my chemo my neutrophils went down and they gave me Neulasta before the last infusion. It did the trick and I was able to finish. I had no side effects from it whatsoever. They just attached a device to my stomach and it actually injected me while I slept. I didn't even feel it. My husband saw the green light flashing when it was injecting. I live in Southern California and I think this is a common treatment for that issue here in the US. Hope they resolve your problems and you can finish up your treatments.

[Katiebairdie]

You are lucky in USA there is nothing on offer here. Trying to follow a healthy diet. Hopeful for next week🤞

[Maxjor]

As Magicgirl7 said it’s called OnPro and maybe they have it where you are. I was at lunch when mine activated and I felt nothing. Prior to that my WBC was 1.7 and after it shot up to 17. Able to (at the time) continue chemo without interruption. Good luck!! Oxox

[Ovarianne]

Hi, I also had this problem although I was on a 3 weekly cycle. I was given Zarzio injections for 7 days during the middle week, not sure if it's appropriate for weekly cycles. Hope all goes well for you.

[Katiebairdie in reply to Ovarianne]

I have just heard about this, I’m definitely chasing it up. Thank you

[January-2016-UK]

Ask about filgrastim (generic name) also known as G-CSF, injections. I have been given five to give myself in the stomach, five days after my chemo yesterday for five days. They are sitting in my fridge. My neutrophils were 1.47 which while not excessively low would have meant a delay while they build up again. The brand I have been given is called Zarzio. You can look up both the generic name and various brands on line.

I did have one injection earlier this year as I needed the chemo that day as I was leaving for Amsterdam that night and couldn’t delay. I didn’t have any problems from it. I don’t know the brand, it was given to me by my trial nurse. I was on a different chemo then, Cisplatin and Gem, currently Caelyx (Doxil), don’t suppose that’s really relevant though.

Hope you get it sorted, these delays must be so unsatisfactory. If your team won’t give you the injections, even if not so grand as automatic ones, as in the US 😀, then they should tell you why. There might be a medical reason why you can’t take them.

Helen

PS as far as I’m aware papaya (paw paw) helps increase platelets but not neutrophils (I might be wrong).

[Katiebairdie]

I’m going to phone my CSN tomorrow and see what I can do.

So much help here. Thank you.

[BangorBelle56]

Hi Katie, I have had 19 weekly doses of Taxol and only needed Neulasta once. I am in UK too but am privately insured. Not sure if Neulasta is covered by NH S . Good luck.

[Katiebairdie in reply to BangorBelle56]

Thank you for replying. I found filgrastim on this site and oncologist was happy to prescribe it. I’m going for chemo tomorrow and neutrophils are fine. Hooray.

[BangorBelle56 in reply to Katiebairdie]

Great news. Very happy for you.