WBC during chemo

CMR79

Hello-

First time posting. I have completed 2 of my 4 dense dose AC cycles. I got the nuelasta shot after the first cycle and when I went in for my second cycle, my white blood count (WBC) WBC high 22.1 so I didn't get the nuelasta with the second cycle. I go in today for my 3rd cycle and now my WBC is low, 1.5. My 3rd cycle is now delayed a week to see if my numbers come up. Has anyone experienced this? I'm scared with my WBC being low because now I'm super at risk for infection. Now I'm thinking it's not healthy being high either. Not sure if it's just my body not able to handle the dense dose?

Thank yo

moth

It's normal for WBC values to fluctuate wildly due to the pushme/pullme effect of chemo & the granulocyte stimulating factors. It's not unusual to have to wait a bit for the neutrophil numbers to come back up though my oncologists have usually prescribed an immediate shot of GCSF & then a retest of bloods the next day. Usually they'd be high enough to get the treatment the next day... Your drs are no doubt making the best decision they can for you.

I too have gone from barely over 0 to over 20 ANC, and that was in 24h! It's ok really, happens to many people on chemo.

Try not to worry about waiting a week. Just eat well (I really think a good diet helps them bounce back) & be hyper vigilant about avoiding germs. Personally, I avoid things like raw veg during periods I know I'm neutropenic, and of course all the regular precautions & sanitizing surfaces....