HELP Low Platelets count

I just had my 2nd treatment in a row cancelled due to low platelet count. Mine was 74 last week and 62 this week. They won't do chemo at Mayo if it's under 100. They have not said a word about giving me platelets but said they wanted to see them come up on their own. I asked today if there was anything I could do and she said no. I have heard of a bone soup that I may try. If you look though the October 2016 chemo group, I think you'll find it.

Since I had my last Neulasta the end of Nov., I know mine isn't due to that. One of the chemos I am currently receiving is carboplatin and they say this is what is responsible.

Platelets are the shortest lived blood cells in the body - they have about a five day life span, and are affected by chemotherapeutic agents. Your count can differ, actually quite a bit, from day to day. There is not much you can eat or do to increase them, except to wait - that is why chemo is delayed until the counts improve, or you can also be given a platelet transfusion to increase your level enough to handle your regularly scheduled chemo. If your levels come up to a safe point you can have a delayed chemo - I have seen people just have a longer interval between infusions if your MO decides not to transfuse. If you do need a platelet transfusion it is a pretty easy process, takes about 20 minutes after a determination of your blood type. If you receive platelets you need to be sure they are single donor, not pooled - and preferably irradiated and in your blood type, although type is not as critical since the units contain no red cells. If you have an impact on your platelet count with the first round of chemo, chances are good that this will be a problem throughout the time you will be receiving chemo. Platelets are the clotting factor in your blood, and chemo can irritate everything on the inside of the body so it is important to safeguard and monitor closely, in addition to being aware of cuts and bruising on the outside of the body.

connie - platelet transfusions are routinely done, and will boost your platelets for a short period - the newly transfused platelets only last for that same 5 day period at most, so it is possible that some oncs just don't think it is worth the effort since is will not be a sustained improvement. I worked here in Tampa for the same company that supplies transfusion services to Mayo in FL, and we transfused cancer patients with platelets all the time, probably daily. I have also seen my own MO order platelet transfusions for patients so they could continue their chemo with a just enough of a delay to bring their count up. Definitely ask about it when you see your MO next, as it might be enough to tide you over so you can stay mostly on track. Good luck!

Thanks SpecialK. I am definitely going to ask if my count isn't up. I see the nurse practitioner more weeks than the oncologist but she has access to get to the oncologist immediately. I am really a bit ticked off that this hasn't been offered as an option before now.

Yay ladies!

Anyone have low red blood cell count? Mine was half what it should have bee