Neutropenia

[Hota]

I had my 4th cycle of Carbo/Taxol and I am now neutropenia and my 5th cycle has been delayed by a week. Can anybody give me any tips on how I could increase my WBC. It’s made me very anxious about getting an infection and mixing with family.

[Tealgirl7]

I also had neutropenia through my chemo. They gave me an injection to combat it. I don't think there's anything you can do on your own to increase it. It may correct being off the med for a week if it doesn't go back up just ask them

[Tulips66]

Hi, when I had neutropenia my chemo was delayed & I found this very upsetting as you just want to get through the infusions & say thats another one done. My oncologist put me on an injection called Neulasta ( pegfilgrastim) to boost my white blood cells so they might decide to do the same with you. Its a pre filled injection which you inject into your stomach at home after a certain amount of hours after your chemo. A nurse will train you how to do it if they decide on giving you this. I am a big wuss 😂 & hate injections ( even after all I have been through) do I just couldn't do it to myself so a nurse showed my husband how to do it & he got great pleasure in it too ( it was a joke between us that it was pay back time for all I have put him through over the years 🤣) . If they dont suggest it & your white blood cells haven't recovered by your next chemo ask your team about these injections. They might not give them if you are in the UK, I am in Ireland but maybe other ladies might be able to tell you if they have been offered them. Good luck with your remaining chemo's & hopefully it will all be worth it at the end of them 🤞

[Saffery1 in reply to Tulips66]

I'm given filgastrim injections in England.

[Caleda4]

I had chemo which I completed in August this year. My Oncologist prescribed Filgastrim injections which I did myself from 3rd day after chemo 5 injections one each day. It may be worth asking your team. I hope you feel better soon.x

[NewtonEmma1900]

I have had filgrastim injections too. Starting the day after chemo for 7 days. Both 1st line carbo/taxol/avastin and also now I am 2nd line carbo/caelyx. Only once have neutrophils been low an at 1.4 and even then my oncologist was happy for it to go ahead - his cut off number is 1. Katy

[meadowgirl]

I too had Filgrastim injections following every cycle of Carbo/Taxol. I self injected daily for 7 days commencing the day after chemo. I would have thought it should be standard practice throughout the UK, but it appears that this varies. It might be worth searching reputable sites on the internet for foods that boost WBC.

My final cycle was delayed because of low platelets. I searched the internet for nutritional advice and found that kiwi fruit and pomegranates helped boost platelets so ate lots of these and my platelets were good the next time. I don’t know if this did make any difference but it did make me feel I was doing something. You might see if you can have a chat with a dietitian in the cancer centre for advice. Take care that your food is washed and fresh as you may be more prone to tummy upsets. You may find that having a short break your body will restore WBC’s naturally, so try not to worry. Sending hugs 🤗

[Chick44nzrn]

hello Hota . Yes it is a concern and you do need to take care but keep taking your temperature I suggest and tell the team if it’s elevated . I had neutropenia several times once with pneumonia after my 2 nd to last taxol leading to 9 days in hospital as it knocked out white cells . If caught early with good monitoring you’ll be fine and it’s a great (Taxol) cancer weapon to have in your arsenal

Warm wishes .take care dear chemo friend.

Denise

[Alice77]

I am taking 200mg Niraparib daily and have to inject Filigrastim five days every month to stop my neutrophils dropping too low. Even with this I have had to take 2 two week breaks since April. Usually things improve after a week or so and I had the same issue with intravenous chemo. It is really common. Just ensure that if you pick up mouth ulcers or boils because of your low immunity you get help straight away and you should be fine.

[Leniko]

I had a similar response when I was on Carbo/Taxol treatments, and I even had to delay one because my counts were way low. I’m sure you know good hygiene, avoiding raw foods even veggies etc., only pasteurized dairy, are the rules of thumb. I also added vitamin D supplements and a good Multivite to my diet. You can ask your Onco about changing meds, but they just delayed my treatment but kept me on it. It kept me in remission for six years. Best of luck to you. ❤️🙏

[Leniko]

I forgot to mention Neulasta, which was helpful.

[Ruebacelle]

Red meat calves liver and or booster shots

[SopSinger]

Unfortunately there are no foods which make a difference. Ask about filgrastim injections, but some oncologists don't like using them and think their patients do better if the white cell count is allowed to recover on its own.

[Summergold2]

I have had neulasta injections to combat the low white blood cells. It can be give 27 hours after your chemo session .........wonderful stuff. They can give you as an injection but here in the states depending on your insurance you can have a device that they stick on you and injects you 27 hours after. No having to go back to Dr office next day. ( my oncologist helped design the device) !!!!! If you cant get it or they won't approve (its difficult without private insurance) which I don't understand cause not everyone who has cancer lives next door to their doctor and the day after chemo you feel terrible ............they should make accessions to it ...........sorry just a rant and opinion for those who don't have that consideration........

Debbie in CALIF

[Sherrym]

my local hospital gave me a booster shot by my 3rd Caelyx carbo, my 1st 2 both depleted my white cells for far too long.

Not sure I was offered the option to do it myself 🤔