Neutropenia

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DeeDee45
DeeDee45 Member Posts: 30
edited September 2016 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

I was diagnosed with neutropenia this past Monday after being on Faslodex + Ibrance for two weeks. I was told to not eat any raw vegetables/fruits I could not peel, stay away from anyone that was ill and to practice good hand washing hygiene. No other instructions/information.  I know to call my onc if I spike a fever, but what else do I need to know? How long will it take for my immune system to rebound? Should my counts be checked before my next appt which is two weeks from now?  Should I attend my grandchilds birthday party tomorrow? Should I go to church, shopping, etc?  Thanks for any and all advice.

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  • Lynnwood1960
    Lynnwood1960 Member Posts: 1,284
    edited September 2016

    I was given these instructions from my onc prior to starting Ibrance. I have not had neutropenia. My blood was checked every single week for months. Are they having you continue treatment? When is your next blood work? I would definitely call and clarify this if you don't know. As far as your activities, some people wear a face mask when around others. I went on a previously scheduled trip to Vegas right after starting treatment, I was given antibiotics to take with me in case I got a fevers, and strict instructions to call my onc before talking them.

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  • RosesToeses
    RosesToeses Member Posts: 721
    edited September 2016

    I had neutropenia multiple times when I was on Ibrance and again recently on Xeloda, it stinks to have to take the break but important to keep yourself from getting seriously ill from it.  I pretty much kept up my regular schedule each time, avoiding sick people and washing my hands a lot.  I went to church and didn't avoid family gatherings but did ask if anyone was sick and missed a few things where there were sniffles or coughs that I could catch. 

    For me on Ibrance, it took a few weeks  before I could get back on it (3 weeks one time, maybe a little less other times?  It was a year ago now and I can't remember exactly).  I went weekly for bloodwork until things were back up again--I wonder if the 2 weeks is based on experience?  Going back each week to find things are still too low wasn't a lot of fun!  With Xeloda it was only a 1 week break.

    All those weeks on and off with neutropenia, I never did catch anything at all, so that was good.  But if you do spike a fever, or get red patches or anything off, definitely call them--it's not something you want to mess around with!

    Eat lots of protein and wash your hands before and after handling raw foods, even the ones that are usually fine like veggies and cheeses.

    Good luck, hope those neutrophils come back fast! 

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