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Talking Frankly about Living with Advanced Cancer
Cancer | Last Active: Jun 18, 2023 | Replies (508)Comment receiving replies
Colleen, this is my first encounter with Connect. At 61, I have stage IV prostate cancer in the lymph nodes with a small spot on one rib. I just started chemo this past Friday, and it went well, no side effects; however, the Neulasta OnPro device failed /beeped red, so I took it off and called my doctor. He said to stop by the hospital cliinic on Monday morning. Is there someone in Connect who knows what the basic back-up plan is when the device fails? I cannot find any answers online, and all the cancer clinics are closed on the weekend. My doctor said if it is not given within 27 hours of chemo, there is no reason to get the shot. Your thoughts appreciated.
Replies to "Colleen, this is my first encounter with Connect. At 61, I have stage IV prostate cancer..."
@fmh1, what did you find out on Monday about the Neulasts OnPro? How are you doing?
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@fmh1 welcome to Connect. I'm glad you found the community. You may also wish to follow the Prostate Cancer group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/prostate-cancer/
I can understand you're worried about the Neulasta OnPro not working. You did the right thing by calling your doctor immediately. Your doctor doesn't sound concerned about the delay in dosage. As hard as it may be, try not to worry.
Here's what I understand about white blood cells and chemotherapy. Please keep in mind that I'm NOT a health care professional. Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) is not a chemotherapy drug. It is used to stimulate the growth of "healthy" white blood cells in the bone marrow, once chemotherapy is given. White blood cells help the body to fight infection. Chemotherapy has a cumulative effect. Friday was your first treatment, so your white blood cells may not go very low this round.
Between now and going to clinic on Monday, be sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid infection. When you get to the clinic, be sure to ask questions. When they demonstrate how to use the injector, repeat back to them what they said using your own words. I hope this helps.