LindaH Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 I went for my Chemo this morning and they nearly didn't let me have it.....eekThey said my white blood cell count was low. It was 1.3, but they like the count to be 1.5, so they say if it hasn't recovered by my next appointment on 24th, I won't be able to have Chemo until the count recovers.I'm apprehensive about going without Chemo, I'm worried the tumour will also recover which I didn't want.Is there anything I can do to boost my white blood cell count? People recommed B vitamins which I alreday take, Royal Jelly, Folic Acid, red meat and cauliflower.I would certainly appreciate any comments please? ThanksLinda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KATB Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 I wonder if Jeni can help - I know in other cancer types Neupogen is given (or another GCSF) but I've not heard anyone mention that on here yet. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce white blood cells. I don't see why it wouldn't be given in this circumstance.Katex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cathy Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 HiI'm sure that Jeni would be able to help although maybe not until Monday now.I know that Linda, you are on a different chemo regime to Jonathan but I don't believe much would happen to your tumor in a week so I'm sure you don't need to worry about that. Jonathan had a holiday in between his 4th and 5th Folfironox cycles of 2 weeks (so a 4 week gap in all between infusions) which his oncologist suggested to give him a break and certainly the oncologist didn't think anything would happen in the meantime. And it did him the world of good. Jonathan also has a bone marrow booster injection for 4 days following chemo to help with his immune system. I'll try find out what the name of the drug is although I'm sure others will have a far better memory than me!Cathy xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSH Posted May 10, 2013 Share Posted May 10, 2013 Hi Linda,I had a similar experience this week. I spiked a couple of temperatures last weekend leading to me spending 5 hours in A&E last Sunday night. At that time my neutrophils were 1.5 and they allowed me home with a little persuasion. I was due to have chemo on Tuesday morning but my neutrophils had dropped to 0.5. They said they would have given it if they'd been above 1.0, which they probably would have been had my chemo been on the Monday as it would have but for the bank holiday.I don't know that there's anything to be done other then the usual things for a healthy lifestyle. The neutrophils can be stimulated with GCSF but such drugs are very expensive. Are your platelets and haemoglobin OK?Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaH Posted May 11, 2013 Author Share Posted May 11, 2013 Excellent advice as always thank you Kate, Cathy and Mark much appreciated.Linda x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen17 Posted May 11, 2013 Share Posted May 11, 2013 Hi Linda,I don't think that a week or two off will make a difference. We have always been told that if we want to have a holiday etc it can all be worked out with time off.Perhaps you need to ask about the bone marrow stimulating injections ( GCSF ). Bob has had these from the start. I give them into his tummy on the 3rd day following chemo for one week.Take careKaren xxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSH Posted May 11, 2013 Share Posted May 11, 2013 Just browsing I came across the following protocol for Derby Hospitals:"For any febrile neutropenia or a 2nd episode of low neutrophils, GCSF secondaryprophylaxis should also be initiated with subsequent cycles (Filgrastim 300micrograms ONCE daily for 7 days, starting on Day 5)"http://www.derbyhospitals.nhs.uk/search/?q=folfirinoxIt's a pdf file. ANC is absolute neutrophil count, and Filgrastim is a G-CSF.There's a similar policy at the Royal Surrey.http://www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/Default.aspx?DN=48037be2-87fb-4651-9b29-132b5af68e0cMy understanding is the nadir for myelosuppression is around 8 days post treatment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaH Posted May 12, 2013 Author Share Posted May 12, 2013 MSH wrote :> Just browsing I came across the following protocol for Derby Hospitals:> > "For any febrile neutropenia or a 2nd episode of low neutrophils, GCSF> secondary> prophylaxis should also be initiated with subsequent cycles (Filgrastim 300> micrograms ONCE daily for 7 days, starting on Day 5)"> > http://www.derbyhospitals.nhs.uk/search/?q=folfirinox> > It's a pdf file. ANC is absolute neutrophil count, and Filgrastim is a> G-CSF.> > There's a similar policy at the Royal Surrey.> > > http://www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/Default.aspx?DN=48037be2-87fb-4651-9b29-132b5af68e0c> > My understanding is the nadir for myelosuppression is around 8 days post> treatment.That's excellent, thank you very much ....Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cathy Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 HiWe are only given injections for 4 days. I'll have to ask the oncologist tomorrow why that is... presumably in our hospital that is standard practice. Poor Jonathan now has to have a daily anti coagulant injection as well so if 4 days in enough then good! Cathy x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_T Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 We don't get any!??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cathy Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 Hi JuliaI would ask? I think it is standard treatment with FOLFIRONOX but maybe as Ray has only just started they don't think it so necessary?There is a bit on the website here under "side effects"http://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/information-and-support/treatment/chemotherapy/main-drugs-for-pancreatic-cancer/folfirinoxCathy xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KATB Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 I was surprised mum - maybe they only give it if low counts start to delay treatment?Kx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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