Low Blood Platelets

[Rochelle]

Hi Everyone
I am Stage IV and started the Erbitux/Irenotecan today regimen today.

I was wondering if anyone has had stubborn low blood platelets

1. due to 10 or more treatments of radiation-3 weeks have passed and my platelets are 69 The nurse misread the test results as 169 and I was given chemo today.

2. due to having chemotherapy for over 1 year and immune system having difficulty "bouncing back".

3. low platelets due an individuals kind of cancer unable to rapidly produce new cells to fight the disease (a comment made to a nurse by my Onocologist as a guess why platelets are low)


Rochelle

[michele]

Rochelle,

I also had some platelet issues after only 2 treatments and had to take a break for a week to rebound them. Then, they decreased the dose of one of my meds that they thought might be the main culprit. The chemo we get is very hard on our bone marrow...which produces the platelets as well as our other blood components. I most recently have had issues with hemoglobin and neutriphils. So, now I have to get shots each chemo session after completion to help keep those up. Unfortunately, there is not currently an injection for platelets that I am aware of. They transfuse if the get too low.

Sorry for the rambling. I hope you rebound quickly. I pray the chemo you mistakingly got by error doesn't drop your count too low.

michele

[Andrea]

Rochelle,
I had a problem getting treatments due to low platelets. Now after treatments I take Neuprogen on an almost daily basis up until I begin treatment again. It not only boosts my white blood cells but it has boosted my platelets as well. I believe there may be a bit of controversy over it. One nurse at my last clinic said it could inadvertantly stimulate cell production in abnormal cells as well. As for me I haven't had any know problems and am able to keep up with treatments.
Andrea

[Rochelle]

Michele and Andrea-thank you for your advice. It sounds like both of you are doing well with your treatments

Continued Success to both of you with your chemotherapy regimens

Rochelle