Hi,
Was due 2nd FEC tomorrow but hospital called and said low count. Will retest in the morning to see if could have it pm.
Have read on other forums about injections some ladies have/give themselves to improve their blood count. Have not been offered anything like this.
Should I be asking for them?? Could it just be a one off that they are low?? I actually feel very well and as disappointed cannot get on with treatment.
Thanks in advance for any advice
Anne x
Hi Anne
I have just finished 6 x FEC and the first 2 I had resulted in low counts, the 2nd time I went I was very borderline and they decided to go ahead anyway and byt the time the third came round I had to wait a week as the count was very low. I did not feel unwell or anything and wouldnt have known if they hadnt done the test. After that they arranged for the district nurse to come the day after chemo to give me a Newlasta injection which has to be given 24 hours after your chemo, it worked well as by subsequent counts were alway back to normal by the time my next chemo came around. I know some ladies get SE from the Neulasta but I cant say it ever gave me anything further than the normal chemo SE.
I have read that other ladies get a different injection that has to be given for a few days after chemo, but not sure about the SE of this etc.
I did try the Manuka honey and more rest etc, but I think the newlasta definately did the trick for me.
I am not sure if you can ask for the injections to be given, but I am sure they will look at it for you if it continues to be a problem for you, I know what you mean about being dissapointed about the delay, you get so psyched up for it it is a let down when they say you cant have it! I am sure they will look at your situation and discuss it with you when you go.
Hope this helps
Dena x
The injection is called Neulasta…there may be others but I don’t know their names.
I’d ask for it when you have your next cycle, altho I suspect they will suggest it themselves. I think they often see how the first cycle goes without the injection, since it gives some people bone/joint pain so wouldn’t want to give it to you unneccesarily. If your counts are still low they may be prepared to give it to you now too.
I’m not sure about it being a one off. I know that some chemos have a cumulative effect so that counts get lower each month.
I hope your counts pick up soon so that you can get on with your treatment.
All the best
Macc
Dena,
Thanks for that, will have a chat with chemo nurse tomorrow and ask her about injections.
Anne xx
Hi, I had low WCC with 3rd FEC and was delayed a week. I dont know what my cell count was as it didnt even register on the machine. Anyway, the nurse I saw was chinese and I asked her if there was anything I could take to boost my cells, as I didnt want this happening again and she said to eat mushrooms, so for 6 days I ate a mushroom based meal once a day and when I went back my cells were 3.4. This time I saw an english nurse who said she’s never heard such rubbish and totally dismissed the idea.
On the week before cycle 4 I did eat mushrooms, but nowhere near so many as cycle 3 and my cell count was 1.7.
I dont know if there is anything in this or not, but you’ve got nothing to lose.
Cheers
Jane
Hi I went to Mount Vernon today to have my port fitted but because my white cell count was .1 they wouldn’t do it. I was given an injection to boost the white cell count and a district nurse will be coming over the next four days to given me the injections.
I was told that I could do it my self but no-way!!!
I have also been given antibiotics and a cream for phlibitis.
I feel absolutely fine though and would’nt have know that my count was low.
At least I know the doctors and nurses are doing everything to keep me well.
Best wishes to everyone.
xxx