Chemo postponed for a week due to low white blood cell count

Yes, in my 30 weeks of chemo the blood count was low twice, so it got postponed by a week each time. It all got added on the end though!!!! So yes, both low it got cancelled and also  elated it got cancelled!! A week off! Didn't have to have injections though. So you are not alone. They have your best interests at heart.

Hi Bluebell51
Yes, I had a similar problem, I believe it’s fairly common. My bloods (neutrophils) were low between my 1st and 2nd cycle of Folfox, they took a while to recover even though I had Filgrastim injections. There was actually 4 weeks between my 1st and 2nd cycle (should have been 2 weeks). My oncologist reduced the oxaliplatin to 80% from 2nd cycle onwards and my bloods recovered Ok for subsequent cycles, although I was always on tenterhooks waiting to see if my bloods were OK. It’s quite stressful psyching yourself up for chemotherapy only to be told it can’t go ahead, but better than having chemo when it’s not safe to do so.

Fingers crossed your bloods will be OK for next week.

Take Care,
Net77x

Hi, I had one cycle out of 12 postponed due to low blood count, was fine for the next cycle though, just one of those things and the time off will give your body chance to build it back up for next time.  I also had Filgratim injections for 3 days in between every cycle when my immune system would be at its lowest.

Try not to worry too much, enjoy the little break from side effects and hopefully you will be good to go for the next cycle.xx

Thank you Gemmery,  I know what you mean about a week off! Xx

Thank you Net. I feel reassured that this has happened to others and not just me. The oncologist made a comment that I maybe more complicated than some, which made me worry. He is lovely though. Xx

Will do Star74

I've just had my 7th session of chemo and so far out of the seven I've had 2 have been postponed because of low blood results. Both times I have been given 5 injections to do at home. They told me it is perfectly normal to have this happen, it's just the strong doses of drugs we are having to have during chemo. I was delayed by a week both times and felt like I'd been a naughty girl sent home from school! 

The weeks break from chemo did me the world of good, My blood recovered both times and I was able to continue with my treatment. Try not to worry about it. The first time it happened to me, there were 3 other patients in the chemo suite who had the same issue. We all went home, so the nurses must have had a nice slow day after that!

Debbie xx

Thank you Debbie. I shall enjoy my week off. Xx