low white blood cell count
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Marni
I had a problem with my white blood count when I was on Gemzar / Cisplatin too. When it first happened, they stopped my Gem/Cis until it came back up for treatment. But they didn’t lower the dose when I continued. I was given a shot immediately after the chemo infusion on all subsequent treatments, each infusion. I don’t know what “timing” you mom’s doctors would be referring to. The shots do stimulate your bone marrow to produce more white blood cells causing a flu-like ache all over. Since it is the Gem/Cis (I believe actually the Gemzar) lowers your WBC, the shot is given right after the infusion to cause the new production of the WB cells quickly.
Good luck in your next step. Best wishes for successful chemo.
Linda
Thank you Kris and Kim! It is so beneficial to hear how other people have handled situations that you are facing, and to know that everything is going to be okay! Your advice and words of encouragement are very helpful.
My mom’s local doctor mentioned shots as well (he did not say a name), but acted like they were not his top option right now because they are difficult to time with her chemo schedule. I’m not sure why that is, as other people don’t seem to have a problem determining when to give the shot during their treatment. Hopefully the time off will give my mom’s counts the chance to recover, and then with a lower dosage, they won’t get too low again and it won’t even be an issue. Keeping my fingers crossed! (and lots of prayers!)
Thanks again everyone. Wishing you all the best.
Marni
I don’t know if this is an option for your mom, but my mother went through 6 cycles of gem/cis last year. Her cycles were 3 weeks on, 1 off. After maybe the 2nd or 3rd cycle her WBC dropped really low too. She missed that week’s chemo, and they decided to lower the amount of Gemzar she was getting. They also started giving her a shot of Neupogen at each chemo treatment and for 3 days after. It basically stimulates the bone marrow to ramp up white blood cell production. Her WBC had been as low as 0.9 (normal 4.0-10.5) but after Neupogen it jumped to as high as 24.1! As far as side effects she just complained of achey bones and joints especially along her spine and upper legs, she said it was an ache like when you have the flu. Might be something to ask her doctor about?
I know how important trips are – we had a big extended family beach trip scheduled last summer, which ended up being just a month after her liver resection surgery. We’d booked and paid even before she was diagnosed, so it was questionable whether she would be able to go. But her doc gave her the OK and we all spent a week together in the Outer Banks, NC. I really believe the week with her kids and grandkids helped her in her recovery, mentally and emotionally as much as physically. So I truly hope your parents still get to take their trip!
Kim
I had a similar a problem at the end of last year/beginning of this year. I went without chemo for almost 4 months given a variety of reasons. 6 weeks does seem like a lot when you are worried and in fighting mode, but please remember that many people die from the treatment, not from the cancer. You cant wear your body out too much. Your body needs it white blood cells to help protect it agaist infection and to fight the cancer. If your mom needs a break, she needs a break. The one thing to remember is that chemo continues to work even after you stop taking it so she will be getting some benefit even after she stops.
Kris
Hi Everyone,
My mom has had 4 cycles of gem/cis (a cycle is 2 weeks on, 1 week off). Then when she went in to begin her 5th cycle, the doctor said this treatment would have to be delayed, since her WBC count was too low. The problem is, she and my dad are going on a trip soon. So the doctor recommended waiting to do any more chemo until after the trip. It will end up being 6 weeks without any chemo, which I’m a little worried about. The doctor didn’t seem too worried though.
I guess I need advice about 2 things…
1. What can be done about the low WBC count? (the doctor mentioned lowering the chemo dose of gemzar when my mom starts her treatment back up again, but I hate to lower the dosage in fear of it not being as effective)
2. Is 6 weeks with no chemo risking giving the cancer time to grow more?
Thank you for you insights!
Wishing everyone well,
Marni
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