Did anyone have low white count?

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gogoshan
gogoshan Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

My mom had her radiation treatments on her left breast 6 monthes ago, then just recently found out she has a even bigger cancer tumer on the right breast.  Did surgery few weeks ago, now about to go into chemo next week.  she has a v. low white count at about 2400... her doctors are also worried if she's able to complete the whole chemo treatment.   Did anyone have the same problem?  What did u do to help with this situation?  

 Please share, thank you!  

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited May 2009

    Neutrophils are a type of white cell that help fight off infection. Neutrophils start out as stem cells, then they eventually become more specialized and become (eventually) neutrophils. They often give neutrophil stimulators such as Neupogen (c) (filgrastim) or its long acting formulation, pegfilgrastim, to increase neutrophil counts.  These drugs help stimulate the production of white blood cells from earlier cells.

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  • gogoshan
    gogoshan Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2009

    thank you for your advice leaf!

    My mom just had her first chemo today.  She had a 1.4 for neutrophils and 3.4 for white count.  Not the best to do a chemo with, actually took our chemo doctor quite some time to decide whether to go on with the treatment, but after 2 hours of discussion, we did it.  Doctor also said she won't be needing the Neupogen shots, at least not for this time.  Mom's feeling ok now, but i guess the side effects wont show until later tonight or tomorrow.  She was pretty upset when learned that all her hair will be gone 2 weeks from now.  Went wig shopping with mom after chemo session, her mood seemed ok.  I know this must be extremely hard for her, and everyone who had to go through this.  I even think it's unfair for others to say they "understand" how u feel, coz unless i have the exact same problem, or i would never know.  So, fingers crossed and everything crossed, hope mom will be one of the luckiest ones who doesnt have much painful experience with this.  :))

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited June 2009
    You sound like a wonderful daughter, gogoshan.  You know its not helpful to say 'I know exactly how you feel', because even if you were going bald from cancer, we are all different people, and have different emotional and physical issues.
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  • gcpommom
    gcpommom Member Posts: 883
    edited June 2009

    I had 1.2 neutrophils and 2.4 wbc, and they gave me my chemo this week, but said if I get to 1.0 neutrophils, then no treatment.  No neupogen shots yet for me either.  I can't take them at home due to insurance issues, so I would have to go in daily to get them, so I am hoping my counts will look better next week.  I'm glad your mom is doing well so far, and hope she continues to do so well!  While her counts are low, she should avoid crowds or shopping where she can catch something. I know that many doctors suggest it to their patients (although mine didn't).

    Judy

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  • Lena
    Lena Member Posts: 1,036
    edited June 2009
    Yes, and I get a Neulasta shot the day after all my chemos.

    ~Lena.
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