What to do about low blood counts after chemo?

Posted by abob @abob, May 3 12:40pm

Fourth chemo has significantly dropped hemoglobin, rbc, wbc counts, making my husband weak and tired. What can we do to rectify this? Thx

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denzie | @denzie | May 10 10:52pm

Just want to reinforce that citrate of magnesia thing. It took me a bottle and a half. So about 12 ounces.

abob | @abob | May 11 10:34am

In reply to @denzie "Just want to reinforce that citrate of magnesia thing. It took me a bottle and a..." + (show)

Wow! And you followed directions about drinking the water as directed? I ask only bc disappointing first time, I didn’t drink the water.

pbishop3 | @pbishop3 | May 12 9:35am

My husband had the same problem. After 4 days of no bowel movements we were about to go to the ER at 5AM when the doctor called and said get Senokot-S. Using that and a long soak in the tub did the trick. Wishing you the best to you and yours!

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | May 12 11:58am

In reply to @carrmb "My husband just had his second round of chemo following lobectomy surgery. A week following his..." + (show)

Welcome to Mayo Connect @carrmb, I'm glad you found us, and have already received some advice and input. His chemo nurses may have some good suggestions for next time too. It's certainly something that you'll want to stay ahead of.
What type of lung cancer does he has? How are you handling the caregiving role?

carrmb | @carrmb | May 13 9:06am

NSCLC w/ a EFGR marker. My husband had a right lung lobectomy on March 6, following with four 3 week chemo infusions, then Tagrisso.
He is taking various RX drugs to help with constipation. One week following his start of chemo, he went to ER with an impacted bowel and had surgery to remove stool. Following 2nd shot after 3 weeks he's trying to stay ahead with water, RX and fiber supplements and enemas after 4 days without BMs. Keeping up with nurses and doctors.
I am holding up okay. Gardening and family are my peace.
Thank you for your advice and followup.

denzie | @denzie | May 13 10:20am

In reply to @abob "Wow! And you followed directions about drinking the water as directed? I ask only bc disappointing..." + (show)

I used this as directed by my oncologist. The first bottle did nothing. Halfway through the second bottle it kicked in.

Prior to the development of Go Lytly for colonoscopies, patients were directed to use citrate of magnesia with two Dulcolax. (Do not try that without a doctor's approval). I had my first upper and lower GIs in the 70s and was working in the pharmacy of major chain drug store at the time where I set that same prep up for patients often.