Injections for low white blood cells after round 7 of folfox

Good morning, @maya8238 Oh goodness, my heart goes out to you with all you’re going through. I know chemo is rough but it’s a means to getting your life back to some normalcy. Unfortunately, with each repeated round it can take a little more time for those numbers to rebound.
I didn’t have Colon cancer but had many rounds of chemo for an aggressive blood cancer. After each round, I’d have a Neupogen injection and it did work beautifully. My white blood count made a triumphant return, much to the glee of my team and myself! Most of my acquaintances and friends who’ve had cancer treatments also receive Neupogen. It is very beneficial in ‘pushing’ the production of white cells which protect us from infection and keep us healthy.

So don’t dread the injection…this medication is an important tool in keeping you protected as you go through treatment. Your oncologist may suggest that you take the over-the-counter Claritin antihistamine (not Claritin D) to help minimize the potential for bone pain that can occur when the Neupogen starts working. I used Claritin starting the day of the injection to about day 7 or 10. One pill per day. It really worked to hold off the bone pain. So ask your oncologist or NP what they suggest. The Claritin trick is pretty standard treatment.

Has there been any followups to see how well the chemo is working?

Thank you so much for this wonderful message. It has really given me that comfort I need to go through this. Yes they told me to do the clairitin which I start today. My first injections is tomorrow and I go again Tuesday. Your message was exactly what I needed to read to feel better. This is why this group has been the best way to get through these experiences

Well, I sure wish you all the best in your treatment. I really do understand how brutal this cancer odyssey can be and if we can help each other out in any way, I think that’s one of the few gifts we can give at a time like this that’s really meaningful.
I remember hearing at one point, We don’t know how strong we can be until strong is our only option. That’s so true, but it’s not enough for people to tell us to be strong…we have to feel it. And that’s pretty tough to do when feeling like crud with all the chemo and meds. I joked about it being ‘better living through chemistry’ and my gosh, I’m 4 years post treatment now and feel like nothing ever happened. So hang in there! Your hair will return, you skin will recover, you’ll feel like eating…and at some point in the not to distant future, you’ll feel human again. ☺️
Let me know how you do on the Neupogen and if the Claritin is helping, ok?

I'm tagging members like @admedical @mustang08 @mallika58 @mdking123 and @drjohna who have experience with FOLOX for colorectal cancer.

@maya8238, how are you doing on Neupogen? Is it helping to increase your white blood cell count?

Thank you for checking in. This group has been great. The Neupogen worked. My labs came up more than doubled so that is a huge relief. The side effects weren’t terrible. I do feel ongoing bone aches and discomfort and I’m very tired but that is probably chemo too. Tomorrow I go in for round 8 of chemo. Hopefully the labs before will still look good.