Very low Neutrophils Count -any suggestions to boost it?

[Luci22]

Hi all,

So my mom's neutrophil blood level is at 0.2, that is very low the oncologist said. Waiting for it to go back up but her last chemo was 2.5 weeks ago. She feels ok so we don't understand why it's taking so long to go up.

Can anything help to get it back up?

[Margiedolly]

Hi, Luci22! Have they tried GSF shots? They are made for this situation. They always brought back my immune system.

[Luci22 in reply to Margiedolly]

Hi Margiedolly, no they haven't tried GSF shots or anything else. I wasn't at the appointment, I couldn't make it so I didn't get to ask about this. My mom asked the nurse about B12 shots, she said that's not related or something. They've never offered any shots to boost anything so far. Her treatment was postponed a couple of days so hopefully she'll get treatment this Wednesday after they check her levels again.

[Margiedolly in reply to Luci22]

These GSF shots are standard procedure in chemo care! You need to call the office and speak with your mom's nurse. Sometimes doctors are discouraged by health insurance companies, because the GSF shot is expensive. The physicians are pressured to not give them lest they loose their preferred status with the insurance companies. Don't bring all that up with the nurse, though. Simply ask them why they are not using the GSF shot for your mom. Sometimes that's enough to get them to act. I would not be alive today if it weren't for my GSF shots; I wouldn't have qualified for chemo otherwise.

[Luci22 in reply to Margiedolly]

Oh wow, that is news to me. I will ask about this then, this is alarming since it's standard practice. We're in Canada, under OHIP, Ontario health care, so yes maybe it could be a financial thing which totally frustrates me if it is!

Thanks !

[Mamaw1]

I suffer from this as well. Especially after 2 treatments. I have gone as long as 3 weeks between treatments. My Dr cut my cargo and I have added b12 and iron

[Luci22 in reply to Mamaw1]

It's interesting, my mom's treatment is every 3 weeks and yet some have chemo weekly. I guess it depends on the person, but even with the 3 week intervals, by the end of the 2nd week her numbers are so low that they have to either postpone her a few days or it climbs up on the morning of treatment. I don't understand why her doctor doesn't offer anything, like you two have been offered. I must find out next time I am with her at the appointment. Thanks for the feedback though!