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Nadi's avatar
Nadi
Member
10 years ago

URGENT ADVICE needed with neutrophils and IV problems

Hi all

Ok, I am STILL in hospital. Neutrophils bottomed out at 0.0 then went to up to 0.07 but today have gone back down to 0.05!!!!! ARGH! Doctor won't let me home until they are 0.50 so long way to go. I asked about a booster injection but they said I wasn't a candidate because I wasn't septic. I don't supposed that any ladies out there have any suggestions as to how I can get my neutrophils to go up quicker? Star jumps of something? I'll try anything. My next chemo is on 11 Jan. Does anyone know if your neutrophils have to be back to normal for at least a week before the next session or they will delay treatment???

I am also having so much trouble with my veins although I am well hydrated (is this a side effect of chemo?) last night it took six goes to get a cannula in and this now has become blocked so at 6pm tonight we'll have to try another site GROAN. Fast becoming afraid of needles when I was never afraid before. Can't have pick line or port a cath until my neutrophils come up (they don't do porta cath at the hospital I am in anyway). Does anyone have any suggestions regarding problems with veins and IVs?

Other than this I feel absolutely fine - completely normal, with no other side effects except for starting to shed some serious hair. Was booked in yesterday to have hair cut really short - but of course had to cancel because I was in hospital and this hospital doesn't have a hairdresser. Tried to google mobile hairdressers in my area but none available as on leave. So looks like I will have to use the small pair of scissors I have with me to do it myself. Any tips?

Sorry for the ranting but I am completely frustrated, Nadine.

 

 

17 Replies

  • ChrissK's avatar
    ChrissK
    Member
    10 years ago

    Great news!!  Now rest rest and rest.... take it easy and you will fine very soon!!

    All the best for 2016 xoxoxo

  • Nadi's avatar
    Nadi
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi all - just wanted to let you know that I am home. My neutrophils shot up from 0.05 to 0.86 in a matter of hours which was amazing. I couldn't rip that horrible IV out fast enough! Next appointment with my oncologist will be 11 Jan where I will be demanding a port be put in. Thanks for all your support. I felt I really hit a low point as I was going through the trouble with the IV. Am feeling better now. I guess in the scheme of things problems with an IV seem nothing compared to the overall experience of having cancer, but it's all the little things that add up and can get you to a tipping point. I know better now so at least I will better prepared if there is a next time.

    Thanks again. Nadine

  • Cavemouse's avatar
    Cavemouse
    Member
    10 years ago

    Oh I'm so sorry to hear you're having troubles Nadine.  What a bitch!!  Hope you can get some helpful suggestions .  So bloody frustrating.  

    Sending you hugs ??????

    Audrey xxx

  • Lindyloo's avatar
    Lindyloo
    Member
    10 years ago

    I didn't have any problems after the neulasta injection. My husband (bless him) gave me mine into the stomach. Didn't feel a thing.

     

  • Lindyloo's avatar
    Lindyloo
    Member
    10 years ago

    Turns out I had been eating the wrong type of yoghurt, certain brands were better than others, don't eat runny eggs or soft cheese. But they gave me a leaflet to help.

    sounds like you are doing all the right things. Unfortunately it's chemo at its worst. Fingers crossed you are on the mend soon.

    xx

     

  • Tracey62's avatar
    Tracey62
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Chris, good on you for standing up for yourself. Sadly all those bruises remain as long as you are on chemo. How cruel to keep causing pain to women who already have enough to deal with. I wish more women would stand up and say "enough, this is MY body"

  • ChrissK's avatar
    ChrissK
    Member
    10 years ago

    Nadine in emergency they did 3 before a canula went in which failed the next day... then again another 3 times again canula failed, tried again 3 times and then my foot which I brought the whole hospital down with my screaming... I said that's it no more I don't care what you do but no more.  The bad thing is they only had the right arm to deal with as my left arm is no go after lymph nodes taken out!  Just scream and scream and say I want the picc line now!!!!!

    Let us know how you go.

  • Tracey62's avatar
    Tracey62
    Member
    10 years ago

    No pain with the injections if you give them outer side of abdomen, away from nerves along centre of body. Did cause more back pain after next dose of chemo + next neulasta. Nadine, this is your body, you are in control. An IV can only stay in for 4 days then they try all over again, a picc is less invasive than a port and less risk with low neutrophils, can stay for months. You shouldn't have to beg anyone, the charter of rights gives every patient a say in their own treatment. If you have a say in your surgery, your chemo and your radiation, why on earth would you doc not listen to your request for a picc. Stand your ground and stand up for yourself, you're strong.

  • Nadi's avatar
    Nadi
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Chriss. Good to hear that they went up quickly. I am so upset today because they went up and then back down again. I am going to push for the picc line again. Just wondering how many goes did they take trying to put an IV in before they decided to give you a pick line? I think 6 goes is excessive. You should see the bruises!