Injections for low White Blood Count

Hi 

I have a different type of cancer, a blood cancer, but currently having chemotherapy and immunotherapy which I am sure no one would choose in the current climate. About 3 weeks ago my white count was low and was sent away with GSF injections. Easy to do and worked as at next bloods the white count was ok. The main problem was the bone pain...ouch. I was walking like I was 40 years older and the pain was not fun. I Googled and took paracetamol which helped but had to be taken regularly. Someone later said that could hide an infection but I needed to take something.

Otherwise fine and the injections worked. Good luck.

Mike

Hi Swan173

Although I don't have experience of these G-CSF white cell boosting drugs, there are loads here who have, but I can give you this link to the Macmillan G-CSF information page until you get a more experienced reply from a group member.

Know these injections can cause aching of the upper thigh and pelvic bones as these are the larger bones where most of the white cells are made.

Hope this is of some help for now, G n' J

Hi Mike

thanks so much for your speedy and encouraging response. Really helpful to hear about your experience - and thanks for the paracetamol tip. 

Hope your chemo+immunotherapy continues to go well. 

 Thanks for the info page details! And for the reassurance that there are lots of people who have been on the White Cell Boosting Road.

All the  best

Hello Swan

I had 8 cycles of Gem/Cis and a self administered bone marrow enhancer jab for three days after each cycle. The only sensation I experienced was a slight ache in my hips that was far outweighed by the satisfaction of stabbing myself with the hypodermic.

The other advice I tend to offer to chemo patients follows:

On chemo day, drink lots of water before you go to keep your veins plumped up. Keep your hands and arms warm as it will aid the insertion of the cannula.

Expect to feel at least tired if not grim throughout the chemo regime. You may get metal mouth when everything tastes foul but sweeter and intensely flavoured foods were ok for me and you need to increase the protein in your diet to help your body repair itself. Drink at least a litre of water a day as constipation can be a problem and the medics ought to give you a gentle liquid laxative but get some Immodium in case the opposite applies.

Irrespective of the C19 situation, hygiene is very important as your immune system will be damaged by the chemo. Avoid busy public places, people with colds, children generally and wash your hands frequently especially before eating and take a small tube of hand sanitizer when you go out.

Phlebitis is a common side effect as the Gem irritates the veins (and can be uncomfortable when it is pumped in, if so, ask the nurse to reduce the pump rate) so watch out for hot lumps on your hands and wrists, get to your GP pdq if that happens, you’ll need antibiotics.

Buy a thermometer to check your temperature at least daily and record it in your treatment booklet. And then there is numbness in the feet (peripheral neuropathy), my toes are still numb over three years later. On the bright side, no insect tried to bite me during my chemo programme.

You are having pre-dosed hypodermic jabs of bone marrow/immune system enhancer so you can administer these yourself. Tip: pinch a lump of belly skin really hard then stab it in the lump and press the plunger, remove the hypodermic then rub the stab site hard. It takes a bit of courage to do it the first time but it's a great sense of achievement.

Let us know if you have any further queries.

CB

Thanks so much CB. That’s a great combo of reassurance, detailed practical advice and good humour! Will pass it all on to partner - and then try and enjoy the sight of them wrestling with that syringe! 
best

Hello CB, Great positive, informative and amusing response as usual. I also had to have a cycle of jabs during my chemotherapy regime. The hospital said my district nurse would show me how to self inject. On her first visit she was horrified when I suggested she should demonstrate how to inject myself. My dear she said injections are our job.Subsequently, all my course of injections were administered by the Nurse. Stay well

Garviv

Just to say thanks again for your general GemCis advice. Very helpful as phlebitis came along yesterday and a urine infection.  But the WBC injections did the business!  Partner is good at handling all this. He just texted me from chemo at hospital saying 'just a few little glitches to sort out' - phlebitis cream and antibiotics alongside the GemCis.

And a Big Hug for all of you on this forum.  As 'The Partner' I've found your humour, common sense and advice from personal experience so reassuring.  

Keep safe.

Hello there Trusty (and Crusty) Advisors

My partner has been making good progress -  we know chemo is having some affect (hurrah) but also know this is treatment, not cure.

My question today is about  the G-CSF injections again.  He did really well on the first course and our first Try This At Home booster injection few side effects.   After the last cycle we gave him another booster injection (Thurs night) and he was in really good  form until yesterday when he had bad shoulder pain (right side) and then left ankle.  It's spreading now and he is limping around and miserable (not like him).  No temperature, no breathing difficulties so not too scary.  Just wondered if anyone else had this kind of reaction to the G-CSF.  He's taking Paracetamol.  These things always seem to happen on his 'week off' chemo.  Still only two more cycles to go.  Then review and a break before whatever the next stage is.

Thanks as ever for advice and support.

Swan

Hi Swan. I had no experience of G-CSF, but hopefully someone else can help. I just thought that if these side effects are getting worse, it may be a good idea to give the hospital a ring for advice. Best wishes.