Ended up in hospital for New Years

Hi, my white blood cell neutraphil count went right down in my first chemo cycle too. Didn't end up in hospital but quite scary all the same and I remember taking my temp all the time and ringing up a couple of times to be sure what to do.. 

In Aus Neulasta (the injection which makes your marrow make new neutrophils in half the time so stops you dropping so low) costs $2000 per shot unless you have actually had neutropenia, when it is free. So they make the first chemo cycle a trial run for neutropenia. Then if our level drops low enough we are given Neulasta injections just over 24 hours after each subsequent chemo treatment free of charge.

I was told I could learn to do it myself or get my GP to do it, or come in to hospital. I was worried about going to the GPs and being in amongst all those sick people, and the hospital was ages away, so I gulped and asked them to teach me. It turned out to be in an absolutely foolproof pack. I was still a bit anxious about it, but did fine each month.It was really good in fact being able to do this myself at a time that suited me and not to have to travel when really tired after chemo. Once I got it clear it had to be at least 24 hours after the finish of my chemo infusion, and at least 2 weeks before my next chemo, I was fine.

I had some bone pain as the marrow revs up production and the space gets tight. But two things helped a lot: a morning dose of Claratadin tabs with Panadol tabs during the day as required, and soaking in my own personal spa pool in the morning when I first got up or during the day if uncomfortable.

I also discovered belatedly that my GP receptionists could have put me into a separate room to wait for the doctor so no contact with other infectious patients, so do ask for this if you choose to go that way.

best wishes