Day 1 chemo

I never had the shot - bloods were monitored before each treatment and although close, never quite bad enough.

I just had bloods a few days before each chemo. When I got a temperature after 4th chemo, 1st docetaxol and went to ED. Found to be neutropaenic, had neulasta each cycle after that.

From what I was told at the time, I believe it is up to each health service / state as to how they utilise these medications.  Where I am, you had to have an episode of febrile neutropaenia before it's used. They don't do mid cycle bloods, only check that your neutrophil count is ok before administering subsequent chemo dose

@youngdogmum thank you yes AC 3 week intervals 

I received it each cycle automatically because I had dose dense AC; are you fortnightly or triweekly? It's very common in aggressive immunosuppressive medicines and I've given it a lot in paediatric oncology. It's a man made version of a protein we produce in our body to stimulate white cell production. It does leave one quite sore for a few days with bone aches. To be honest I was very thankful I was given it automatically. If you're 3 weekly though you may not need it. 
If you don't get it still be strict with visitors, crowds, hand washing, wearing masks in busy places etc 
Best of luck with chemo :) 

I had a blood test day 10 after 1st AC chemo which confirmed very neutropenic, after this I had the needle each cycle. I didn't require it on taxol.

I had that shot while doing chemo, use to pick up script take to my local doctor and he would do it I couldnt do it myself, not sure if you can request it or not mine was needed 

As @kmakm says, it depends on how you react. Essential if your blood tests indicate a problem, most unlikely to be given if, like me, your blood tests are all very satisfactory. Best wishes for the latter. 

I had a blood test 10 days after the first treatment. I wore a mask to the test to prevent infection. It is a good thing I did as when I saw the oncologist prior to the next dose, he said my resistance was absolutely zero at that 10 days mark. After every dose thereafter they sent me home with a short little needle to inject my belly fat the day after my chemo dose. Since I was a public patient I never had to pay for it.

@kmakm thanks for information about the needle. I hope I won’t need it 🙏

I never received that shot. My oncologist only prescribes it if it's required. Other oncologists do as a matter of course. You'll have a blood test before each chemo and if your white blood cells are too low you'll get it. I wouldn't go asking for anymore chemicals to be injected into your body than absolutely necessary! If you do end up having it, take anti-histamines for a few days before and after. I understand the effects of that shot are quite painful and the anti-histamines help with that.

I got very cold during chemo. Ask the nurses for some heat packs.

I'm glad it went well today. It'll be easier in a lot of ways because you know what to expect. Big hug, K xox