Hello - could you please describe to me what is meant when blood tests show you are neutropenic? What should you do about it, is there anything you can do? Anxious it is halting the next chemo session. Just want the chemo to be done so that we can move forward. Thank you
Hi JoeyB
Thanks for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support and welcome to the online community.
Chemotherapy can cause a reduction in the number of red bloods, white blood cells and platelets. The main white blood cells that fight infection are called neutrophils. When they are low, you are neutropenic.
Chemotherapy can affect someone’s count more than others and it’s not uncommon for results to be too low to give the next planned treatment.
When your blood count drops too low, it can put you at risk of an infection.
Unfortunately, there is nothing that you could have done to prevent this from happening.
It’s important that you look after yourself whilst on chemotherapy. We have this helpful information about avoiding infection that can be useful to read. Eating a healthy and balanced diet can also help the immune system.
If you are worried about any new or worsening symptoms, then please don’t hesitate to call the hospital's 24-hour helpline straight away.
I see from your profile that you have joined several groups. Many people find the peer support of others in similar circumstances reassuring to have.
If you’d like to talk things through a little more, please don’t hesitate to contact our nurses on the support line. We are always happy to take the time to talk over any worries or concerns you are having. Sometimes talking to someone outside the loop can be helpful and make things that little bit easier.
I hope this is helpful.
Best wishes,
Annemarie (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Our ref: AKR / AHR
