improving immune system/counts post chemo

paige-allyson

improving immune system/counts post chemo

paige-allyson

I just had my first follow up with my medical onc since finishing chemo in October. I am NED which of course feels like a cause for celebration. All labs were normal including tumor markers EXCEPT for my white blood count, red blood count, hematocrit, and lymphs, which are all a little low- especially the white count. My onc did not express concern over this- actually got the lab results after my appt by phone. I have heard of women having low white counts/impaired immunity for some time after tx. Any advice or experience anyone has to share would be welcome. Thanks! Allyson

mjcs7

allysonw,

I have this problem and finished chemo in '05. My onc said this is my new normal. My WBC is 2400 (has been 2100) since then.  No one seems concerned. I think this is a result of damaged bone marrow from radiation and AC chemo.  I hope we hear from others, I would love to find a way to boost the counts. I could not have second stage reconstruction due to my counts being too low and since have DX with mets.

MJ

cp418

mj - maybe this is a silly question but have you focused on really healthy eating and supplements along with daily exercise (walking)? I had CBC done last Aug 2007 and my WBC as 4.3 which seemed like it would be my new normal as I kept hoovering in the low 4.0 range. However, I had a repeat CBC in Dec 2007 and the WBC was 7.8 which franky shocked me. (I almost wonder if it was an error but the other values all were within in my ranges.)  I don't know if it was a random value but I'm wondering if my change in eating, vitamin/mineral supplements and daily walks is actually making a difference.

paige-allyson

My WBC on  Tuesday was 3.0, RBC 4.06, Hematocrit 36.5, and lymphs 25.4 all kind of low- esp the WBC. Great to hear that yours went up. I exercised (walking mainly) all through tx and now am doing run/walk, elliptical, ice skating, etc. depending on the day. I follow a plant based, low fat, high fiber diet, take D3 1000, calcium and mag, fish oil, and melatonin. I am sure all these things are good for me but obviously aren't raising the counts (although who knows...maybe they'd be worse if I didn't do these things). Glad you responded even though I screwed up the post- I did it twice and tried to delete one but it didn't work the way I thought it would- just deleted the content but you seem to have gotten my question anyway. Allyson  cp418- How long for you since chemo? Maybe I just need more time?

cp418

ally - my last chemo was Sept 2006. So IMO it took at least a full year for my body to recover in terms of blood values.  I was certainly anemic so it takes time for the RBC, HCT and HGB to recover.  Think of it as donating 2 units of blood or more and then your body has to recover and replace the lost blood volume and factors.  Your diet and supplements sound identical to what I've been taking post radiation treatments.  I started the walking during rads as I was too weak during chemo.  The walking is also helping my left over neuropathy in my feet from Taxol.  Unfortunately the Femara causes more body and joint pains but IMO the walking is absolutely critical to keep weight down, feel better, help joints, fresh air and sunshine!!  Joann

paige-allyson

Joann- Thank you. I take Femara too- do have a bit of joint pain but I find the exercise helps. The only time the stiffness really bothers me is if I haven't been moving much- like when I first get up in the morning. Luckily I did not get the neuropathy from the Taxol, not even during tx which I think is unusual. You are probably right re: it taking some time like a year. It's a beautiful (but cold) day here- still going to take that walk/run though- in addition to the benefits you mention it may also help against recurrence and that's certainly a motivator!

paige-allyson

This may be a weird request but I accidentally started 2 threads by posting twice - could you put any responses on the other thread with the same title? I tried to delete this one but only deleted my initial question. Good conversation going on both threads but it would be nice to have it on one. Thanks!!!!