Low neutrophil

Hi Kaf77

It is hard when chemo is delayed but it is important that your body can cope with the next cycle. Sometimes it means delays. Because you have already had several cycles, the effects can build up as the bloods start to build up but don't have time to fully recover- if that makes sense- so it accumulates. 

I was neutropenic during chemo and each time I just about managed to get into the range but I did have days where I was waiting for the bloods to come back with the canula in my hand ready. I also had issues with some of the other blood results and needed transfusion at one point. 

I understand your frustration, I too just wanted to get it over and done with. I wasn't given any advice about how to bring up the levels- they just said to rest up, try and eat and drink regularly and that they would naturally come up with time- and they did.

Jane

Thanks for your reply and I agree my body must be ready before giving next chemo but I feel so well and only have 3 days of nausea after each session then back to normal so don't understand how blood isn't ready. I must learn to be patient with myself. 

It is hard isn't it. Some of the time I thought I felt fine but my bloods said a different story. I suppose it takes a while for any effect from the low results to make us feel unwell. 

I hope the bloods improve quickly for you. A couple of times it was a case of 3/4 days and they would come up enough.

Jane

One time I was told my potassium was very high so I cut out my daily banana. When I told my chemo nurse he laughed and said I would have to be eating 25bananas a day to make any difference! He compared me with a baboon! He made me laugh which is what I needed. 

That made me laugh!

Hi, had a call today to say my Neutrophils are only at 1 and my chemo may be delayed tomorrow, it was delayed last week due to low platelets - anyone any idea what the ideal level for neutrophils are before you can have chemo? Thanks for any advice

My daughter had neutropenic sepsis 5 times during her 14 cycles of chemotherapy.  It’s very common & you don’t necessarily feel unwell but it’s very dangerous.  The delays are a nuisance but you’ve just got to go with it.  When my daughter’s tumour started growing again & she needed more chemotherapy the impact on her bloods wasn’t good because of previous chemotherapy & radiotherapy.  You must do what your team tell you & accept their advice & treatment. I can’t remember all the numbers but neutrophils at 1.0 sounds positive.  Best wishes.

Hi Edgecumbe girl

I am sorry to hear that your neutrophils are at 1. I had similar issues during my chemo. Each time the levels rose enough for it to go ahead.

I had to get above 1 for my chemo to happen. Normal levels are 2.5-7.5. Chemo does cause levels to drop though. 

For me they did bloods on the day of chemo and each time I just managed to get into the right range. 

Jane

I've just had yet another blood test ready for my final chemo on Monday. It has been delayed several times now due to low neutrophil, really frustrating as I feel absolutely fine but understand they are just looking after me. Fingers crossed I don't get the dreaded call this afternoon to tell me still not high enough. I think it needs to be over one. 

Its really tough when treatment is delayed. With neutrophils it is important they are high enough to make the chemo safe, in case you pick up an infection. Mine always came up just enough. There wasn't anything I did- they just naturally rose. Mine got lower each cycle as the chemo effects accumulated. I hope your chemo can go ahead on Monday- fingers crossed for you