oh of course - new issues neutrophils this time

[Voxx66]

At the treatment center and just got my blood results - platelets have jumped back to normal and RBc is way up - good news. Unfortunately Folfiri seems to have blasted my immune system. Neutrophils have dropped from 4.0 two weeks ago to 1.2 after just one round of treatment. They are calling the doctor for permission to treat - I have already told them I am not comfortable going ahead today. (my father died of septicemia due to chemo devastating his immune system).

I may have to do the shots - I may need reduced dosage or increased time between treatments. Any advice on immune boosters or on what to do?

[lpas]

Well, that certainly sucks. I don't have any personal experience (yet) but this site lists a few things you might try:

http://www.lef.org/Protocols/Cancer/Alternative-Cancer-Therapies/Page-08

How's the nausea been? Not too bad, I hope.

[KWT]

Sorry Michael, hopefully you can get back on track.

[sdp]

You can try a natural ayurveda supplement called ashwagandha bought from a reliable source

[Voxx66]

The doctor agreed we should delay treatment. Blood test next Monday and we will take it from there. I'll look up that supplement.

[CRguy]

The doctor agreed we should delay treatment. Blood test next Monday and we will take it from there. I'll look up that supplement.

Hey Voxx I would go with the injections personally, and be sure you check out this new topic I started
Notice for those taking herbals + supplements

Sending you Mega POSI +++ Vibes buddy
CR

[Voxx66]

A bit worried about the bone pain from the injections. Quality over quantity you know.

[Voxx66]

Oh and Kenny - I think you missed my reply on an earlier post complaining about your withdrawal from our planned Folfiri club ha.

[CRguy]

Check with the docs about certain antihistamines which can help to alleviate bone pain from neulasta .... Claritin as posted below.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=42914&hilit=+antihistamines+marrow+pain#p303305

[Voxx66]

Thanks - I will do so.

[Icesk8tr]

Hi Voxx,
Sorry to read about your neutrophil issue. I give myself Neupogen shots three times a week for low WBC and neutrophils. It's not fun, but it gets the job done.

Good luck.
Christine

[lauragb]

Just wanted to add, I have some friends taking Claritin before their Neulasta shots and it is working to keep bone pain away.

[MamaN]

Hi Voxx
This something I have experience with. I wouldn't have been able to continue my chemo at all if not for the nulasta not sure if I spelled that right. Nulasta gave me extreme bone pain ! So after about two or three shots of that ,I complained how bad pain was, then I got switch to nupogen again not sure if spelling is right, these shots were much more tolerable for me which allowed me continue treatments . The treatments kept getting delayed so what was suppose tx every 2 wks turned into once a month. Butt I was at least able to get in 10 tx before they stopped becuase. white counts stopped bouncing back. Now I always have low wbc they call it nutropenia . I had to do this on folfox.

I hope this helps you some. Good luck and hope you can get back on track.

[JDinNC]

Can I ask what is a good neutrophils level?
I looked at my blood work and I have 2.. Neutrophils And. Neutrophils absolute ?

[Asterix]

I have had low neutrophils on my first round of irinocetan + 5FU and had 3 shots of neutropen (I think it was neutropen). Got some thigh bone pain but it did a great job on the neutrophils. I haven't had a big problem since, although they did drop again towards the end of my second round. The pain sucks, but it's probably worth it if the chemo is working.