Neutrophils

[Snowcone16]

Hi Everyone, my oncologist called me yesterday. Always that apprehension...it made me recall when he called to tell me the stage 4 dx. On that day, naively, I thought “oh, how nice. He’s just calling me to check in” as two weeks had passed from when my gynecologist did the Pap smear that revealed MBC...but oh, well...he called because my labs from 9 days ago showed my neutrophils at .9. That was the 7th day of my break. So, he said he wanted to monitor more closely and asked me to get labs done Friday. Said he is on call this weekend and will review results.

I was nauseous this morning which comes and goes since mid January (even before my meds which started feb 24). Usually crackers or ginger ale get rid of it. Nothing too bad. I have vomited twice though either after a greasy meal or when my tummy is empty.

This AM, I decided to try the prochlorperazine. It worked quickly—feel 100% better. Even took away my headache.

Have a great weekend!

[nstonerocks]

Looks like your oncologist is a keeper! I have a lot of confidence in my oncologist too, she drove the radiologist crazy measuring and mapping my lung mets. I never had nausea, but When I was first on Ibrance, I had to take a several week break from it for the same reason. I've been on it almost 3 years, and my counts, while on the low side, are holding steady. Hang in there. Let us know what happens. Maybe do something nice for yourself. I never had a manicure or facials until I got mbc. Amazing how a little tlc can make your day.

[Snowcone16 in reply to nstonerocks]

Ah, yes—-just started manicures and pedicures in 2015. Wondered why I waited so long!! This oncologist is a fellow so I’m not sure how much longer I get to work with him. My actual oncologist is pretty competent but can’t say I get a warm, fuzzy vibe from her.

[nstonerocks in reply to Snowcone16]

My oncologist is very caring but no, wouldn’t call her warm and fuzzy. When I was first diagnosed and went off the deep end she was very involved, returned a call on a Sunday and things like that. I need someone whom I can spill my guts to, but I don’t do it often there. I see a therapist to unload. But she does give hugs and I know I’m not just another patient. Dealing with this requires so much of us physically and emotionally. It is humbling to be in the company of such amazing women on this board.

[Clair19 in reply to Snowcone16]

My oncologist is very caring and compassionate. When I get down he keeps saying That cure is right around the corner, I’m like yeah right, I get in those moods. I’m wishing I was more positive. However everyone here has enough for me to pull off of. Thanks everyone.

[darlenejulien]

My oncologist is truly a keeper! Caring, compassionate alway's concerned that I'm handling everything (as best I can). He will never come into the exam room with his computer (that can be good & bad)! Wants to talk & not be consumed typing (he does little notes that he enters later). Will always ask about my daughter & granddaughter (my name) she is a R.N. so when she comes with me, she will really ask the questions! It will be a long road & at times not sure if I want to travel like that, but he is very positive!

[Snowcone16 in reply to darlenejulien]

That’s definitely a silver lining. We are fortunate to have caring, empathetic and competent oncologists!

[darlenejulien in reply to Snowcone16]

Thats very true, because I can go into his office depressed & I leave feeling good!

[blms]

Please think twice before getting mani/pedi when your counts are low! Get them when counts are over 1.7 or higher.

Also .9 keeps you off Ibrance until it comes up, right or no? That is not to bad for that time period, probably on is way up. Are you on 100mgs?

[Snowcone16 in reply to blms]

Ah, thanks for the warning on mani/pedi. I usually go once per month between April to September. But I’ll wait to get my lab results. The dr told me he likes to see neutrophils at 1.0

I just started 125 mg of Ibrance on 4/24. My first labs were 5/22. They were taken the 7th day of break. I’m like 10 or 11 days in right now. I’m feeling fine so hope that we can maintain the 125 of Ibrance. But I’ve also read great results w 100 and 75.

[blms in reply to Snowcone16]

I began on 125 but my counts did not support me staying there, which I was happy to hear that I could go down a dose. All these dosages work! I have been at 100 for three months and have been doing well with that--much better. Yes, you need to be over1.0 but the higher the better. Even at 1.0 my doc has me hold for at least a few days and recheck blood before I begin again.

I had a very dangerous situation when on taxol 20 years ago. I had a mani/pedi and then cooked raw chicken and got a third world strep infection, erysipelas. I almost died and was told I would not make it through the night. But because of a blessing, I turned that night and here today to tell the story. Sooooo, watch the nails during your neutropenic times! I use gloves cooking raw food during the low times or just don't cook chicken during that time. Be vigilant so nothing weird happens. We are all here for you and each other. I am very thankful for this sharing!!!

[Buffwright in reply to blms]

My counts are reliably at .8 and i’m still on 100 mg. Ibrance and letrozole. For now, because i’ve Had UTIs off and on for a month with antibiotics, my count is at .6 and WBC at 1.5. No move yet to lower my dose or take a holiday. I’ve been on since May ‘16. I can’t say I’m overly cautious, as i’ve travelled quite a bit....after a trip to India, my counts were all better, oddly enough. Not going to quit pedicures....but I go to a very good place. My feet are likely less likely to get infection with a pro doing the job!

I started at 125 mg and was on for about 4 months til August ‘16, but got dizzy, so she lowered the dose...said clinically 100 is as effective. I’ve been NED for well over a year.

[Snowcone16 in reply to Buffwright]

Awesome results! Congratulations on NED! Just got my manicure on Thursday!