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Little_Red's avatar
Little_Red
Member
13 years ago

Low Blood Count

I'm on my first Treatment of Taxatere after 3 cycles of FEC...

Yesterday on advice from the hosptial I went to my GP with a sore mouth/throat. He gave me antibiotics and did a blood test. My Temp was up a little at 36.4 but ok so I went to bed and felt a bit better in the morning but my temp was still up in the 36.4 range.

This afternoon I got a call back from the hospital that my blood count is at zero, the nurse said to still keep an eye on my temp and take the antibiotics and stay away from people especially work.

Did anyone else have an experience like this? what did the doctors tell you to do or avoid like foods or anything?

Because some stories I read had people with a zero blood count sent to hospital to stay till the count improved...

 

 

6 Replies

  • Jk48au's avatar
    Jk48au
    Member
    13 years ago
    I have just been released from hospital after four days isolated because of a nil white cell count. I have only had one round of chemo and my onc said it doesn't usually happen with the first round, but they got up to .554 yesterday and I was finally disconnected from the IV and sent home with oral antibiotics and instructions to keep myself away from crowds and children. I am glad to hear you had success with the injection, as I will be getting that next time, the day after my chemo. Other than a very sore mouth and a temp that went up to 39 in the hospital, I don't know where I had an infection as my chest X-ray was clear. Whatever it was, got hit with a stack of heavy antibiotics though Thanks for telling about your troubles with your blood I have found it very helpful X Jill
  • helen_anne's avatar
    helen_anne
    Member
    13 years ago

    Every time I had chemo I ended up with a really low blood count too and no white cells to cap it off.  So I always ended up in hospital - neutropenic and anaemic.  Most of the time my white cells were all wiped out and the red cells were at least halved.  I always had to have several blood transfusions.

    I am a little surprised they haven't admitted you, however since they haven't be really careful about being with people as the slightest cold could be a major problem for you - remember your immune system is very low on chemo.

    Keep taking the antibotics, eat lots of greens, fruit and eat as healthily as possible. 

    During your treatment have you seen a dietician?  Might be a good idea to seek a consult as they can advise you what you need to eat and avoid while having treatment.

    I hope this helps...keep in touch and get better!

    Luv H

  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hey Little Red

    I had 3 FEC and 3 Taxotere and I had low blood count every time so after the first one I started Neulasta Injections which were prescribed for me by the medical (chemo) oncologist.  The first few they injected when I did my first few chemo in Perth but the last few I did self injections the next day 24 hrs after chemo.  As Simone mentioned it did cause a lot of muscle and bone pain so make sure your onco also prescribes decent pain killers which you may require to help you get through.

    I only had one day where my temp went to 38 but it quickly went back down so I didn't need to rush off to ED but would have if necessary. I ensured I took my temp on a regular basis with a thermometer bought from pharmacy and I recorded my highest temp every day for the chemo nurses and also for myself to work out when I was probably more susceptible to infection.   I was lucky in the fact that I did not do any stints in hospital with infections and I think the Neulasta certainly helped but I also ensured I stayed away from people in shopping centres, work, schools etc. etc.

    Wishing you luck as you travel and learn on your journey.  We are here for you.

    LOL, Mich xoxoxo

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    My first round of Taxotere reduced my neutrophils to  0.1 and I got a gum infection and a temp over 38. I was put in hospital(isolation room)for 4 days and given iv antibiotics.Keep a check on your temp -it's dangerous at 38.Also if you have any signs of infection go straight to hospital A&E.Take care.

                                   Tonya xx

  • Little_Red's avatar
    Little_Red
    Member
    13 years ago

    thanks Linda for the reply. strange they didnt say anything about admitting me...

  • lindaj's avatar
    lindaj
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Little Red

    Yes I had low blood count - After my #2 TCH treatment I had this damn cough and wasn't feeling well, Took myself off the A&E , blood test after blood test my neutophil count was 0.4 one doctor said we will have to admit you - oh dam it not prepared for this..  Was put into Isolation Room for 6 hours - antibiotics pumped into me - chest xrays and then finally allowed to go home with more antibiotics.  Came right after a few days.

    Then last week had low blood count again and they had to cancel my chemo appointment.  Today I went for my 2nd final chemo, and I asked my oncologist about this low blood count he told me it is very usual.

    I did watch what I ate kept away from raw veges, fruit and yoghurt for a few day  and also a friend of mine who has been through all the BC stuff twice told me I wasn't drinking enough red wine. 

    Rest and  relax.

    All the best on your travels

    Linda