I went to A&E yesterday, as I was extremely breathless, even when resting. My CMS wanted to rule out a blood clot.
Although my haemoglobin was a bit low, my neutrophils were way down (1.02) and it seems that nobody could suggest any way to improve them. As I am hoping to have the C ovid vaccination in the next couple of weeks and know that a low immune system affects the efficacy of the vaccine. Had anyone taken a supplement or done anything that has helpef.
Neutrophils would eventually come up in numbers based on my experience. But, if you want it up before vaccine, you may ask for Neupogen shot. It is called Neupogen in the US--it is colony stimulating factor. One shot in my abdomen increased my neutrophil counts within the normal range.
Are you UK based? Ask for GCSF injections... my chemo unit are offering as a matter of course to protect against c19 xx
I haven't even heard of these, and certainly it wasn't mentioned when I was in A&E!
Jenny
Are you on chemo Jenny? When I was on weekly chemo white blood cell boosters were automatically given each week and I’m in the uk. Can you ask your oncologist?
What no way to improve? All you need are booster shots ...zarzio is what we do here in france...for after chemo...and your white count will revert to normal.
The booster shots are Filgrastim in the UK, sometimes used in conjunction with chemotherapy. You might ask the CNS if the oncologist thinks you need some, given you are breathless because the neutrophils are low.
Miriam
I think the fact that the chemo I had a couple of weeks ago was my last one, they are happy to let my neutrophils improve on their own. I am more concerned with getting them up ready for my C ovid vaccination.
Jenmy
Yes Filgrastim in the U.K. boosts white cells.Also vitamin D has been shown to help with immunity
Thanks for that. I am really looking for something that I can do for myself, so will give vit D a go.
Jenny
My neutrophils were always very low on chemo and now on Olaparib they have been 'fine' , until I was more regimented with taking Vit D (standard dose but make sure it has K2 to help with absorption), now my neutrophils are 'good' - in fact my onc asked if I was still taking Olaparib! Worth a try, but get from a decent healthfood shop where they give you a good one.Good luck x
I’m given filgrastim to take for 5 days after chemo, i think it stimulates bone marrow to produce white blood cells. This is on the NHS and when I started treatment in September I was told it was a standard procedure at the time because of covid but I think this might have changed. My neutrophils have come back up to 2.4 before each treatment.
It just shows how treatment differs, hospital to hospital. I started chemo in August, and have never been offered this. In fact, my chemo was delayed for one week due to my blood count.
Jenny
Low white blood cells
