Neutropenia and methotrexate - help needed
Neutropenia and methotrexate - help needed Hi all,
Just got a call from my GP’s office today as my white blood cell count is very low. and I have to go see him. I finished chemo in Aug 2003, so figure this can’t be the problem, as I had no problem going through FEC chemo. My bloods were always okay. My first Onc made me stop taking methotrexate for Crohn’s as he said I would die of septicaemia if I continued with it. Long story, but dealt with it on daily doses of dexamethasone.
I also have Crohn’s and have been taking methotrexate, 25 mg weekly, for some 6 years now, 4 years before dx with bc when I was taking oral tablets, but since bc doing a self injected dose of 12.5 mg weekly. I felt I was doing fine , besides general fatigue, no problems.I have had monthly blood tests since been on mtx. with no problems. Looked this up on the internet tonight and it seems they can occur rapidly.
I was surprised, indeed, shocked that I got bc, as I had taken mtx for some years prior, to bc dx and mtx was, and maybe still is, one of the chemo cocktails. One of my doctors, the gastro, said I must have become immune to this drug, promised to do some research, but I have had no feedback from him.
I recently had to see my Gp for a Bartholin’s abscess, and as I never go to see him for Crohn’s or bc, was a bit taken aback when he talked to me about methotrexate and quality vs quantity of life. Told me the risks. but I figured I wil happily trade my current well life vs the risks of dying from toxicity.
Well. today I have to re-address this problem.
The receptionist told me I have neutropenia and I have seen this side effect of bc chemo on this site, but this doesn’t seem to be my current problem
Is there anyone out there with Crohn’s - think someone posted here recently - who has taken mtx and can give me some guidance?
Thank you for anyone listening and reading and hope you can help me.
Liz.
Just getting crazy… Coincidentally my IBD nurse rang me today to advise my methotrexate injections had been delivered to my GP’s surgery - I have to inject them weekly - a bit concerned initially at doing them, , but duck soup now.
I told her about the phone call yesterday from the GP’s receptionist and she pulled up my recent blood tests on the NHS computer. She said my white blood cell count is at the low level of normal, but is concerned about my Whole Blood Count, which is elevated. Rang me back, and there is a definite problem with my blood work and I should go to the appt with my GP next week.
I am really perplexed as to whether I have a blood problem or not - she asked me if I have any other health problems - fatigue yes, and last week the Bartholin’s abscess, none of which I think are really relevant.
Having had Crohn’s since I was 24 yrs, now 62 yrs and gone through so much stuff you cannot believe, and then breast cancer, cannot even contemplate another serious problem - my gastro told me I could get leukemia from methotrexate, but guess I just dismissed it as it I have felt so well on this drug.
OH. so tired tonight.
Love to all,Liz