Hello - I’m half way through my chemo for invasive lobular bc. Had 3 rounds of EC - after each my bloods were low so next round delayed. I then had Filgrastim injections before my next checks and bloods went up. Just about to have my next regimen of Docetaxal and my bloods are low again so another delay. I’ve asked again about injection and told no my bloods need to try and come round first. Just really upset and worried that this will lead to a further delay and wondered if there is anything I can do, eat, vitamins etc. thank you - Michelle
Hi gsd1007,
Just read your post, I didn’t have this problem during my chemo but did see somewhere that honey was very good for increasing low white blood cell count.
Might be worth googling it. Good luck with your treatment x
Hi gsd1007
Thanks for your post asking about things you can eat or vitamins to take to help your blood count to recover. It’s understandable you feel upset and worried about your treatment being delayed because of this.
When the white blood cells fall below a certain level it can increase the risk of developing an infection, so it’s important for the white blood cells to recover before giving the next chemotherapy dose. Your treatment team will ensure that any delay is safe for you and won’t affect the effectiveness of your chemotherapy treatment. Do talk to them about how you are feeling, so they can support you at this time.
Many people ask about vitamin and herb supplements as they want to do as much as possible to be healthy during their treatment for breast cancer. There is often the belief that vitamins and herbs are safe as they are considered natural.
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There is much we don’t know about supplements and herbal remedies. For many products there is a lack of research to support their use, and some can interfere with conventional medicines including cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.
Do speak to your treatment team, GP, or a pharmacist before taking any supplements. You could speak to them about the potential benefits of honey as @Clio18 mentioned.
Your specialist may recommend that you avoid, or stop taking, herbs or supplements as some of these may affects treatments such as chemotherapy.
Tell your specialist about any supplements you’re taking or considering taking, including:
- vitamin and mineral supplements (certain vitamins, particularly high dose antioxidants (including vitamins A, C and E, co-enzyme Q10 and selenium) may affect treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy)
- herbal remedies (some herbs may have anticoagulant (blood thinning) properties)
- any treatments that are bought over the counter or online
The evidence is not clear whether supplements like vitamins, particularly high-dose antioxidants (including vitamins A, C and E, co-enzyme Q10 and selenium), are harmful or helpful during chemotherapy.
Because of this uncertainty, many specialists recommend people don’t take high-dose antioxidant supplements during chemotherapy.
Our Diet and breast cancer booklet will give you more information about the effects of chemotherapy on your eating and the importance of having a balanced diet.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Sonia
Breast Care Nurse
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Can add in the support services template/link.