Capox cancelled again

Hi DLight and a warm welcome to the board. I had at least 1 session postponed for a week due to low white blood cells but the surgeon pointed out that mine were (and still are actually) low before I even started. My count had increased slightly the following week so my treatment went ahead but I don’t know why - unfortunately there’s no dietary foods that seem to increase white cell count. There is an injection called filgrastim which you could maybe ask about? 
I presume your hubbys having the chemo because of the lymph node involvement? Back in 2016 when I was diagnosed chemo was given after the op so maybe they could remove the tumour and then try chemo again?

Is there no way that you can make the scan? This would show the effect that the chemo radiotherapy and chemo so far has had which might give you both a bit of a boost?

Please keep us posted?

Karen x

Many thanks for your reply, Karen,

Yes, chemo is because of lymph node involvement, one out with the  "pelvic capsule" in iliac area. 

Injections were mentioned last week but our understanding is that infusion needs to take place first then injection. We asked last week if injections could be given now but were told not yet.

It would be good if scans could be done to see how things have gone so far but we'll just need to wait until next blood test to find out what happens next. 

I'm sorry you're struggling with your white blood cell count. I had an infusion delayed for this and it's very frustrating. 

As Karen mentioned, there are injections that can help but I don't know much about them. I was told that the low count meant my body needed extra time to recover from the chemo. So even if the 3rd time is the charm, this may happen again. Hopefully they will get you sorted and everything will work out in the end. I know that doesn't help much right now though! 

Thank you for responding, Susan. We are just keeping fingers crossed for good blood result on Thursday.

Today's update: white blood cell count has risen thankfully so next chemo cycle will hopefully start next week with a reduced dose and injections to boost WBCs.

Onward.......

So sorry to read this.   I was diagnosed with colon cancer 3rd Oct.    I too had issues in third cycle with suspected sepsis.   The chemo was so good at killing white blood cells they allowed naturally occurring bad bacteria to get a hold in my gut.   A week in hospital with antibiotics and fluids sorted it.   They reduced the dose and all was fine in fourth cycle, just started fifth.    I’ve had two postponements, nothing is certain.    The docs seem to have solutions for each situation so engage and ask as many questions as you like so that you fully understand the options.   Ask to see the blood test results and quiz them on Hi and LO markers.  I found showing interest was very beneficial for me, and brought more information out.  Take care, I hope you have lots of good friends around you to share the journey.    Keep us posted?  

It is good to know you have got through these delays and are now on your fifth cycle. Well done!

The plan is to reduce the dose and give injections but the problem at the moment is there is no availability this week for hubby's chemo

O️ur other concern is the timescale. We were told the optimum time for surgery was 12-16 weeks post radiotherapy and he is now at 12 weeks and hasn't completed the 3rd cycle yet which is when we were told he will be rescanned. 

Thankfully the weather is glorious at present so we are just getting out and enjoying each day

T️hanks for your support and advice.

Update on treatment: this week, after 4weeks delay, white blood cell count was OK -just- to go ahead with oxaliplatin IV, reduced to 75%, but no capecitabine pills given. Loaded syringe of pegfilgrastim to be injected on day 3 then blood test 10 days after infusion.

My concern is the effect this delay and reduction will have on treatment outcome. I know there is nothing to be done about it but I still worry.