Neulastim injections

jacksam

Hello. I'm asking this on behalf of my 35 yr old Thai partner. She has stage two bc. Recently had small cancerous lump removed and also lymph nodes tested negative which was some good news. Approx 2 years ago had partial breast removal. Did not follow up with chemo. Yes crazy. She had her first CT yesterday and her oncologist has planned 4 treatments every 3 weeks then 5 weeks radiation. Now my question. She is scheduled to go back for her NEULASTIM PFS INJECTION. A friend told her it may not be necessary. I wonder if the OC is just playing it safe. She never seems to get sick except for the BC of course. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Moderators

Hi, jacksam, and welcome to our community. NEULASTIM is used to increase the number of neutrophils (bone marrow stimulant). It can help the body make white blood cells after receiving cancer medications. We suggest that you/she discuss this with her doc, to see why it is being recommended. We really hope that this all goes well! Keep us posted!

ruthbru

I was GLAD to do Neulasta. That way I didn't have to worry about getting sick & could carry on with a pretty normal life. I also didn't need to worry about my white blood count dropping so low that it would delay treatment. If Neulasta, she might be able to do dose dense chemo (every two weeks instead of every three). You might want to ask if that is a possibility. That is what I did as I wanted to get it all over with as quickly as possible!

Kicks

Neulasta is used to encourage WBC formation to help prevent infection.

I did 4 Neulasta shots the,day after my 4 DD A/C neoadjuvant. My WBC was so great throughout that when I started my 12 weekly Ttaxol adjuvant, I was told (for me) no reason to do Neulasta unless WBC dropped - it never did.

She should becareful of what a 'friend' says. Her Dr is the one,to ask questions.

bravepoint

I had the same experience as Kicks. No side effects from the Neulasta either. It is very expensive.....

doxie

It worked great for me, keeping my WBC up, but I became allergic to it. In my 4th round I had to go without. I nearly had to go to the ER because my temperature spiked and I had to wear a surgical mask everywhere for a week because the WBC was so low. It was good I was then done with chemo or I may have had to stay home for the rest of the treatments. Allergic reactions are rare enough that my MO didn't realize it was Neulasta causing the problem. The chemo pharmacist figured it out.

jacksam

Thank you you all for the very helpful replies. In the end, yesterday she rang the hospital and told them she was not going to have the NEULASTIM injection. They didn't seem too concerned about it and said they would check her WBC count in about a week. On a side issue the money does come into consideration. She is receiving excellent care however not covered in any way in Thailand. Small fortune already. Naturally my concern is her wellbeing. I feel for those that cannot afford treatment. May I also ask if people receiving chemo treatment have any "warning signs" of very low WBC count. I am away for few days in about a week which seems to be around the time her count may be low. What might be an indicator to her that she needs seek assistance. Thank you

MinusTwo

I was also glad to take a Neulasta shot 24 hours after every chemo infusion. Since she's decided not to do it this first time, the most accurate monitor will be blood tests. It will be best if she can stay away from crowds or children who may pick up infections at school.

ksusan

Has her doctor told her to call or go to an Emergency Room if her temperature goes over 100.4F (38C)? This is a potentially serious sign.

SpecialK

Generally speaking, most chemo regimens have a nadir, or low point, for white count at the 7-9 day post-infusion point. Being cautious during that time period about exposure to public places might be wise, as well as ksusan's suggestion to monitor temperature and see the doctor if the temp is elevated. Not everyone gets blood boosting drugs automatically here in the U.S., some oncologists wait and check if they are needed - due both to cost and avoiding unpleasant side effects these drugs can bring. Many patients do well without Neulasta/Neupogen, and in some cases these drugs also do not work as advertised. In that case, some docs prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to be taken during the nadir period. Wishing you both the best.