Platelet Count Low: Chemo Delayed

@stparker54, sometimes chemo will be postponed due to low blood counts. I think low white blood cells are the most common reason for signalling a delay. With low platelets, you may not feel any symptoms, but you'll want to be careful to avoid injury. You are more prone to bruising and bleeding. Be gentle with teeth brushing even. If you get a cut, be cautious about infection. If your platelets are low, your white blood cells that fight infection are probably lower than normal too.

Here's more info: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-treatment/art-20046192

Stparker, behind your question, I also hear worry - worry that your cancer left untreated will get the upper hand. This is a really good topic to discuss with your oncology nurse so you can get the proper reassurances for your situation. Here's my understanding. Obviously your body is reacting to the chemo. I might be inclined to be hopeful that the cancer cells are getting zapped too, not just the blood cells, right? The schedules for chemotherapy treatments are based on large numbers of patients. The "standard" schedule might not be right for you. Your healthy cells (blood cells etc.) might need longer to repair themselves and be ready for the next chemo treatment than is typical in the "standard" protocol. That doesn't mean your cancer is running out of control. It just means that your oncology team is adapting the schedule to be right for you.

Does that make sense? Again, I encourage you to talk to your team and get a more professional explanation directly related to you. What type of chemo are you getting?

Colleen: you're right - behind my question is worry that my cancer will get the upper hand while I wait for my platelet and white blood counts to improve. I went shopping today for foods that will help boost these counts.

Hi @stparker54 If low iron is an issue, my blood bank told me that the most efficient way to build iron in the blood is by eating Cheerios. They said better than the others, i.e. liver, etc. This worked at various times for both my wife and me. Just a thought.

Scott: I like Cheerios. Will pick up a box tomorrow. I picked up some shredded wheat today. That's supposed to be good for you.

Colleen: paclitaxel and carboplatin. stparker54

Colleen: even though I was unable to have my chemo this week because of a low platelet count, my tumor marker decreased to 16.8 from 24.8. My first tumor marker test was done in early July, and it was 38.7. So my tumor marker has fallen by nearly 22 points since then.

Wow @stparker54 that sounds so great!

@stparker54, That must put you at ease. I'm so happy for you. When are you scheduled for the next chemo?

Colleen: on Aug. 24. stparker54

I'm in the same situation now with the low platelets; I find what helps me is plenty of green vegetables and papaya is a god place to start!