1. < Breast Cancer

Anyone had your treatments delayed due to low neutrophil levels?

Posted by rahrah6263 @rahrah6263, May 24, 2023

My OC has delayed my treatments. I have had 9 rounds of chemo with 3 more left to do, but my neutrophils dropped to 1.2. I am devastated and could really use some guidance. How long does it take to recover to a healthy level?

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janetamyshapiro1956 | @janetamyshapiro1956 | May 24, 2023

My oncologist will continue drugs as long as number is above one. Maybe do some research and call the doctor asking if you can restart. Maybe another blood test.

REPLY
1 reply
littlebit71 | @littlebit71 | May 24, 2023

Just this past Monday my doctor stopped chemo because of neutrophil . She gave me a Neupogen, generic name Filgrastim shot instead. I had to go back the next day. They checked my blood and it came up enough to take my chemo. But I still have to wait 2 weeks for my next chemo. I was intentionally supposed to have 3 shots, but didn’t have to. I might have to later. It worked for me. I‘ve had 3 treatments out of 12. Suppose to be ever Monday 3weeks and a week off then start over. My breast cancer went to my lungs, but PRAISE GOD I’m still a happy camper😊😊
Not letting my spirits down one bit. Whatever GOD decides for me I’m still a winner.♥️♥️

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2 replies
bpknitter53 | @bpknitter53 | May 24, 2023

My onco told me to eat a high level of protein almost same amount of grams as my weight. I did protein shakes with greek yogurt and fruit, lots of chicken. I researched high protein foods so I could find stuff I liked and incorporate into my diet for treatment. The one weekend I went away and didn't follow my diet was the only time my neutrophil levels dropped and prevented my treatment. When I started my treatment I asked about what I should do to change my diet to help with chemo treatment and to make sure I didn't miss any treatments. I had a schedule I wanted to keep - I had a grand baby due and I wanted my treatment done so I could be there for the birth - I had to fly cross country to be there. Unfortunately that missed appointment through off my schedule, but we rearranged treatment schedule so I could attend the birth of my first granddaughter.

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3 replies
littlebit71 | @littlebit71 | May 24, 2023
In reply to @bpknitter53 "My onco told me to eat a high level of protein almost same amount of grams..." + (show)
@bpknitter53

My onco told me to eat a high level of protein almost same amount of grams as my weight. I did protein shakes with greek yogurt and fruit, lots of chicken. I researched high protein foods so I could find stuff I liked and incorporate into my diet for treatment. The one weekend I went away and didn't follow my diet was the only time my neutrophil levels dropped and prevented my treatment. When I started my treatment I asked about what I should do to change my diet to help with chemo treatment and to make sure I didn't miss any treatments. I had a schedule I wanted to keep - I had a grand baby due and I wanted my treatment done so I could be there for the birth - I had to fly cross country to be there. Unfortunately that missed appointment through off my schedule, but we rearranged treatment schedule so I could attend the birth of my first granddaughter.

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I have a big problem there. I have stage three chronic kidney disease and only allowed small portions of protein a day and the same with potassium and sodium. Also a diabetic. Thank you for the advice anyway.

REPLY
littlebit71 | @littlebit71 | May 24, 2023
In reply to @bpknitter53 "My onco told me to eat a high level of protein almost same amount of grams..." + (show)
@bpknitter53

My onco told me to eat a high level of protein almost same amount of grams as my weight. I did protein shakes with greek yogurt and fruit, lots of chicken. I researched high protein foods so I could find stuff I liked and incorporate into my diet for treatment. The one weekend I went away and didn't follow my diet was the only time my neutrophil levels dropped and prevented my treatment. When I started my treatment I asked about what I should do to change my diet to help with chemo treatment and to make sure I didn't miss any treatments. I had a schedule I wanted to keep - I had a grand baby due and I wanted my treatment done so I could be there for the birth - I had to fly cross country to be there. Unfortunately that missed appointment through off my schedule, but we rearranged treatment schedule so I could attend the birth of my first granddaughter.

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Also CONGRATS on your first granddaughter. Lots of love to you and God Bless♥️♥️♥️

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rahrah6263 | @rahrah6263 | May 25, 2023
In reply to @janetamyshapiro1956 "My oncologist will continue drugs as long as number is above one. Maybe do some research..." + (show)
@janetamyshapiro1956

My oncologist will continue drugs as long as number is above one. Maybe do some research and call the doctor asking if you can restart. Maybe another blood test.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for the advice janetamyshapiro1956. I called my doctor and she said we can start again this Friday as long as my levels were up. Keeping the faith and eating lots of protein filled meals.

REPLY
rahrah6263 | @rahrah6263 | May 25, 2023
In reply to @bpknitter53 "My onco told me to eat a high level of protein almost same amount of grams..." + (show)
@bpknitter53

My onco told me to eat a high level of protein almost same amount of grams as my weight. I did protein shakes with greek yogurt and fruit, lots of chicken. I researched high protein foods so I could find stuff I liked and incorporate into my diet for treatment. The one weekend I went away and didn't follow my diet was the only time my neutrophil levels dropped and prevented my treatment. When I started my treatment I asked about what I should do to change my diet to help with chemo treatment and to make sure I didn't miss any treatments. I had a schedule I wanted to keep - I had a grand baby due and I wanted my treatment done so I could be there for the birth - I had to fly cross country to be there. Unfortunately that missed appointment through off my schedule, but we rearranged treatment schedule so I could attend the birth of my first granddaughter.

Jump to this post

Thanks Bpknitter53. I am making changes to my diet with lots of protein pack meals and snacks. My OC said I can resume treatments this Friday. Will keep in touch to let you know the outcome.

REPLY
1 reply
rahrah6263 | @rahrah6263 | May 25, 2023
In reply to @littlebit71 "Just this past Monday my doctor stopped chemo because of neutrophil . She gave me a..." + (show)
@littlebit71

Just this past Monday my doctor stopped chemo because of neutrophil . She gave me a Neupogen, generic name Filgrastim shot instead. I had to go back the next day. They checked my blood and it came up enough to take my chemo. But I still have to wait 2 weeks for my next chemo. I was intentionally supposed to have 3 shots, but didn’t have to. I might have to later. It worked for me. I‘ve had 3 treatments out of 12. Suppose to be ever Monday 3weeks and a week off then start over. My breast cancer went to my lungs, but PRAISE GOD I’m still a happy camper😊😊
Not letting my spirits down one bit. Whatever GOD decides for me I’m still a winner.♥️♥️

Jump to this post

Thanks littlebit71. I asked mu OC if I needed a shot to get my neutrophil level up and she said not at this time. I am scheduled to resume my treatments this Friday. I am eating extra protein to boost my levels as well. Will let you know how it goes on Friday.
Thanks

REPLY
2 replies
littlebit71 | @littlebit71 | May 25, 2023
In reply to @rahrah6263 "Thanks littlebit71. I asked mu OC if I needed a shot to get my neutrophil level..." + (show)
@rahrah6263

Thanks littlebit71. I asked mu OC if I needed a shot to get my neutrophil level up and she said not at this time. I am scheduled to resume my treatments this Friday. I am eating extra protein to boost my levels as well. Will let you know how it goes on Friday.
Thanks

Jump to this post

You’re welcome. I’m glad it wasn’t down as much as mine. Always praying for for you and all the others.
God Bless and keep the faith ♥️♥️♥️♥️

REPLY
1 reply
bpknitter53 | @bpknitter53 | May 25, 2023
In reply to @rahrah6263 "Thanks littlebit71. I asked mu OC if I needed a shot to get my neutrophil level..." + (show)
@rahrah6263

Thanks littlebit71. I asked mu OC if I needed a shot to get my neutrophil level up and she said not at this time. I am scheduled to resume my treatments this Friday. I am eating extra protein to boost my levels as well. Will let you know how it goes on Friday.
Thanks

Jump to this post

Just check with your OC to make sure that is the correct course for you - to increase your protein level. I'm not sure if that suggestion was based on the type of dx I have. But I will say it helped me. I got real creative with what I would put in my protein shake in the morning - my protein shake included a high protein milk (Fairlife - lower in sugar and higher in protein); a protein powder (I liked the whey protein better than the plant protein - whey blended smoother) and greek yogurt then whatever fruit I wanted to add for some taste. The Fairlife company also offers some real high protein ready made drinks - which were pretty good. I knew if I at least started each morning with a real high protein drink I didn't stress too much about what I ate the rest of the day - but I still tried to eat things that were higher in protein.

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