Treatment delay

[Beryl71]

My first blip since starting treatment in May 2020. My neutrophils are too low this month, to continue palbociclib, .9, so it's another blood test next week to see. I've also had an infection and the antibiotics made me worse. Ended up with severe thrush and bowel issues! Now I'm not sure if the infection caused the low neutrophils or the low neutrophils allowed the infection to take hold. Anyway symptoms are gradually improving and temperature back to normal so fingers crossed! What worries me is if the neutrophils are just good enough how will I be after the next three weeks of palbociclib. ? In general I'm feeling a bit flat and struggling to regain my zest for life!

[Teddielottie]

Morning Carolyn ! Try not to worry about it ...just eat healthy to boost your energy/immune system (lots of berries and nuts etc) and get out in the lovely sunshine (with some sun protection on !) Just to let you know I had a ‘blip’ about 6 months ago , when my neutrophils dropped to 0.95 a few times (the first time they had been below 1.0 after being on 125mg Ibrance for 3 years and maybe as a result of a small infection ...a small cut in my nose ...which I was given treatment for ). I thought I would need to drop to 100mg but stuck it out and have even tried the green powder to boost my immune system ... don’t know if connected , but my neutrophils went back up to 1.3plus in the last four months ?! Hope this is the same for you ... so hang in there! Take care! x 🍓

[stardust1965]

Carolyn, it is the proverbial chicken and egg situation with your low neutrophils. It doesn’t matter what came first but it won’t be helping your mood. It’s completely understandable that you’d be feeling a bit low but hopefully your symptoms will continue to improve and you’ll start feeling much better.I am on the lowest dose of Palbociclib and only scrape in at 1 (sometimes 0.9) each month. Once you’re over the infection it’s likely your neutrophils will bounce back up and you’ll feel much better. Sending hugs 🤗 Vicki

[jersey-jazz]

You'll be fine without your cancer drugs, for a little while. It gives your body a chance to rest. I'm glad that you write that you are getting better and hope that it continues that way.Frances

[Tolife_18]

Hi Frances, certainly understand your concern about able to continue the treatment. I’m in the same boat. Last time I had blood work, I was right on the borderline, and now a bit nervous about the next lab coming in 10days. When I ask the oncologist about it, she said that I’ll just need to delay palbo for a week to let my body recover. Wishing you all the best!

[jersey-jazz in reply to Tolife_18]

Hi Tolife! My unasked for advice to you is to enjoy a little time without any drugs, hence side effects, swirling around in your body. After the microwave ablation of the cancerous tumor in my liver on 2/17/21, I have been giving my body a much needed rest from any drugs. There is a PET scan in a month when all will be revealed. Meanwhile, I am feeling better and better. Perhaps this hiatus will give you some good days.

[Tolife_18 in reply to jersey-jazz]

Thank you and good luck with your PET next month. How often do you get them?

[jersey-jazz in reply to Tolife_18]

I had to refer back to the records for the answer. At MSKCC, on July 6, 2021, I will have had five Pet scans since 5/14/19. They slipped one in on me when they did the microwave ablation on 2/17/21 although they had just done one on 2/10/21. Your question has prompted me to think about questioning the advisability for the PET in July, as opposed to a CT scan.

[PJBinMI]

I sure relate to that "feeling flat" part of living with this lousy cancer! Life is so much different and sometimes changes and then changes some more! An infection can play havoc with our bodies and our heads! I've got something going on with my skin and I've been to 3 or 4 dermatologist and an allergist. It is finally getting better, slowly, but I can worry about whether or not it is cancer or cancer treatment related or not. Sure easy to fall into that mode of thinking/worrying. I hope you will feel more normal and able to enjoy life. This pandemic has certainly not helped!

[Beryl71]

Well I spoke to breast care nurse today who told me that my CA15-3 had gone down a further 11 points, so that was good news. It is now 84. so that's more than 80% lower than last year. At least the treatment is working even if it is knocking my health a bit. Today I felt brighter! Thank you for your reassurances. x