Looking for answers regarding chemo treatment

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Jean12
Jean12 Member Posts: 24
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I had a bilateral mastectomy done on 6-11-09 and still haven't received chemo yet, I was scheduled to have chemo on 7-29-09, when they did my blood work and found out that I had low white blood counts they sent me to see a hem-oncology dr. on 8-5-09 to see why my counts were low.

Ok, I got the results back, everything was fine except for my WBC was only 1000, which I know that the WBC needs to be 1500 or more. I'm just wondering is there something they can do to bring up my counts OR are they just giving me the run around?  One would think that they would know if I have a history of my WBC being low, this is what they're trying to find out.

 They told me that I have to get blood drawn every week for one month but what if my blood WBC is still low, Is there something that they can give me to help bring my WBC back to normal

 I don't understand why it's taking so long, the Dr.s told me not to worry, but I cant't but wonder if the cancer cells that may have been left behind is multipying.

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  • dee1961
    dee1961 Member Posts: 1,672
    edited August 2009

    Not sure what to say except, sorry you have to wait so long and feeling like your in limbo. I'm sure they must have a good reason for postponing your chemo, so try to hang in there.

    Take care and good luck to you :)

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  • Tamara67646
    Tamara67646 Member Posts: 293
    edited August 2009

    Have they talked about giving you a Neulasta or Neupogen shot?  Those are two tx that are used during chemo to boost your WBC - I haven't heard on someone needing them prior to chemo so your situation may be different than low WBC caused by the chemo.  May be a question for your doctor about whether either of these would help.

    Good luck on your tx.

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  • Jean12
    Jean12 Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2009

    Thanks dee1961 for your response, I did some research and yes there is a reason why they postponed my chemo. I learned that the doctors was trying to find out why my wbc was low and they wanted to see if my wbc would comes up on its own and yes it did and to see it this is something that is normal for me. The first week my counts was 800, the second week my counts was 1000 and this week my counts is 1400.

     I learned in practical clinical terms, a normal ANC is 1.5 or higher, a "safe" and ANC is 500-1500; a low ANC is less than 500. A safe A NC means that the patient's activities do not need to be restriced (on the basis of the ANC).

     Your pm gives me hope and has inspired me to be patient and not to panic.

     Hi Tamara,

    I read about Neupogen and Neulasta on a website, I guess after me 4th cbc lab results and consultation with the doctor assumming he might mention thiese options with me. 

     Thanks for your support and information that you have provided me with.

     Jean

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  • London-Virginia
    London-Virginia Member Posts: 851
    edited August 2009

    Hello Jean - sorry you have had an anxious wait.

    If it is any comfort, I have had to wait to start for other reasons, but should start chemo in a couple of weeks, and am assured by the oncologists that the wait won't have mattered.  (my op was june 24).  It akes a while to get over a big op doesn't it.

    all the very best for when you do start -

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  • Jean12
    Jean12 Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2009

    Hello - London-Virginia, 

    The oncologist also assured me that the wait shouldn't matter,.. Well, he's on vacation now and should return on August 26th.  It's ironic how my surgeon went on maternity leave right after my surgery.  I only seen her once for a follow up since then (she had to twin boys),  I hope all is good though. 

    By the way I had reconstruction at the same time as my mastectomy. My PS Surgeon just returned from vacation on August 31,  He didn't seem to have time to answer questions that I had, so I did'nt get my fills that day instead I  rescheduled fills for August 28th because I did'nt want to get an infection because of my WBC was low. BesidesI I didn't want to tackle to many things at one time.

    At this point all I can do is pray for each and every last one of us.

    For God is our strength and guidence.

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  • Helen-Jackie
    Helen-Jackie Member Posts: 85
    edited August 2009

    ask a naturopathic doctor as well. there is a shot they give women if wbc is low, but that is once they started treatment.. dont know if they can do it first

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