Raising WBCs naturally?

dash

Raising WBCs naturally?

dash

Mine's at 4 over 6 months post chemo. My neutrophil(?) % is 56. One of my chemo booklets said you multiply the two numbers to get your infection risk. Mine comes out to high risk.

I have no idea, though, if this still applies once off chemo? I do think my WBC is too low regardless.

I wonder if some of those immune system herbal supplements or selenium would help me out....I think if I could get some decent sleep(which is another thread on here) then my immune system would come up naturally.

Ugggg! It never ends, does it???? I'mm so frustrated and worried(which probably makes the immune system weaker!) 

flash

be careful with selenium, it is possible to get too much and be at a toxic level. good luck

NativeMainer

Bay 1431--it sounds like you are talking about your Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC).  If your WBC's are 4, then you have to multiply 4 by 1000, then multiply by the % neutrophils, specifically "bands" + "segs".  If your bands + segs = 54%, then your ANC is 2240 (4000 x 0.56) which is well above any risk range. 1500 to 8000is normal.  1000 to 1500 is safe to give chemo.  Under 1000 starts getting risky.   Sounds to me like you don't have anything to worry about. 

dash

Hi Nativemainer--

the chart I have is different--under 100 is extrreme risk, 100-500 is high risk and so on to "greater than 1500".

It says to "multiply your total wbc by the %neutrophils". On my blood test, it says "%neutrophils -- 56%" The booklet I have doesn't say anything about multiplying 1000 first.

I'm gonna call my onc on Monday again--he's probably on vacation. 

II can't help but worry---I have been so tired, developed a very bad bladder infection(regualr doctor called in antibiotics), have a sore throat and earache and starting coughing. 

rubytuesday

Check out Astragalus.  If I remember correctly, it is supposed to raise WBC.  Best wishes!

NativeMainer

Bay--your chart is probably something other than what I thought it was.  Sorry if I confused things.  Hope you feel better soon. 

dash

Thank you, Nativemainer, I appreciate your input!

Thanks, Rubytuesday! I looked up astragulus and was also reminded of chinese mushrooms like maitake and reishi.

Cynthia1962

Bay - the ANC is the same as the NE# or Neutrophils (ABS value) on all the blood work I've had done.  If I multiply my WBC x 10 then x the neutrophil number then I get the NE# or ANC.  If your WBC is normal (my range is 4-11 for women), and your neutrophil is normal (my range is 45-70) then your ANC has to be normal as well.  I show it as being 2240 as well and the normal is 1500+, so you're good.  My WBC was still low a month ago (2.3) which was 2.5 months after finishing chemo but none of my drs were concerned.  I was a nervous wreck over it, but I got a cold and had a horrid cough for 10 days a couple of weeks ago and recovered just fine.  I have been taking astragalus for a few weeks now, but I haven't had my blood checked again yet, so I can't share if it's worked or not.

Good luck and I hope you get over the bladder infection quickly.  

Cynthia 

MtnMama

Shitake mushrooms.

genesis

Hi Bay,

Please look up AHCC(Active Hexose Correlated Compound) for your WBCs naturally.  Volumes of scientific research confirm the value of AHCC.  It has been part of my regimen since June of this year.....

Praying for you,

Genesis

dash

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm looking into the mushrooms. Iherb has the AHCC for a good price and sounds like it gets good reviews. I will definitely try that. Because even if those numbers are in the low normal range, they are still too low. I want to have a much stronger immune system in order to never have cancer again. Let alone all these other infections....I'm hoping it just needs a little jumpstart!