Borderline lowe platelets holding up chemotherapy

Holeybones CommentTime0 seconds ago edit Report Post
My local oncologist has suspended my Xeloda for a considerable period because of what he described as borderline low level of platelets. I have passed all the other blood tests with flying colours.

For those on similar treatment, what is the usual level that is acceptable to your oncologists?

My oncologist was encouraging me to give up and die in February, and is at it again now, so I don’t altogether trust him to act in my best interests.

I have a good quality of life and am not happy to die just yet!

Holeybones

Sorry,

Accidentally posted in the wrong forum. Itwas meant for the secondaries forum so please ignore

Hi Holeybones,

It is good to see you are posting and still giving your onc a run for his money. I am sorry to read of your predicament.

I read that the drug ‘eltrombopag’ has been effective in raising platelet numbers in Hepatitis C patients. I don’t know of its availability, or in fact anything about it, but maybe it is an avenue worth pursuing.

I also found these figures which suggest that 150,000-450,000 is normal, while below 50,000 is abnormal.
The advice given to improve numbers was: Eat a balanced diet. Avoid injury. Avoid germs. Rest. If you feel tired, stop and rest. All of which should be obvious to all of us.

Jenny
x

Hi Holey

Yes good to see you posting. I am desperately trying to remmeber what my onc considered the lowest level of platelets was for carboplatin/gemzar but can’t. Dippykate may be able to help on this one I think.

best wishes

Jane

Hi there

I am on weekly Taxol/Gemcitibine and am having a problem with low platelets. I have had my chemo delayed again this week because of it and i am on GCSF injections!

My platelets were 85. My onc wants them aboove 100 to give chemo.

Just thhought i would share my experience, Hope this helps

Jakki
xx

Thanks to all of you who replied.

If my oral chemo isn’t restarted this week. I’m off to the Royal Marsden for a second opinion.

Wish me luck!

Holey

It’s good to see you posting. How many GCSF injections are you having? I started off on 5 per cycle and ended up on 15! I hope that your chemo can be restarted this week.

Good luck Holey.

Get you down to the Marsden and the man! Good luck!

Jane

Could they not give you a platelet transfusion? More info on cancerbackup.

Jenny.

Holeybones, If you still want to fight don’t you dare let the onc tell you to give up. It’s not his life!! Good luck at the Marsden! Funnyface