Is this the usual ?

[pibikay]

My wife aged 61 was daignosed for metstatic breast cancer maas in left breast 25x20,hepatic osseous metstatis,secondaries in L4-L5 vertibrae hypoechonic nodules in both liver lobes.Chemotherapy started on 16th March with Taxotere and Endoxan.Fish test revelaed ER/PR-ve.Her 2+++Underwent 3 more courses of Chemo with Herceptin and Zoletrust added onApril 6,April 27 and May 19th.I am giving below her WBC counts and Haemoglobin counts.WBC shows marked fluctuation
WBC Haemoglobin
25th March 2500 11.1
5th April 12100 12.4
24th April 12700 13.2
6th May 1400 11.5
15th May 13000 11.2
17th May 12200 10,9

Her diet continues to be the same.
Are such fluctuations usual
The Onc says so.But she has breathlessness off and on an sore throat in addition to stiff limbs
Just want to know and reassure myself

[PatriceH]

Yes. This is normal. Is she getting a Neulasta shot to help boost white blood counts? Sore throat may come and go. Breathlessness? When I would walk, I would take it slow, it seemed the slightest things would take my breath away.

Give her hugs from us. You too. Caretakers are Angels!

[1rarebird]

I agree that the WBC levels you posted look similar to what my counts did and as predicted they would by my oncologist. My counts eventually got below 9 but that was at the end of chemo when they leveled off and slowly recovered to normal over about 6 to 8 weeks. Of course, there is an increased risk of infections, both viral and bacterial, with these low WBCs, so care must be taken to avoid contact with sick people. I believe your wife is very lucky to have such a dedicated husband looking after her. Good luck.

bird

[pibikay]

No she is not getting Neulasta.She is back to being normal today and walked anout with the help of the walker
Thanks all

[Joan M]

Pibikay,

Is your wife's red cell count low? I believe that a low count can cause breathlessness.

The WBC fluctuation is normal.

Joan

[pibikay]

Thanks Joan
Her RBC is in the normal range and not much change.
The Onc feels it may be due to Haemoglobin going down and has impressed us that a transfusion may be necessary if the Haemo count goes <7.5.
Just wanted to know the normal side effects
Thanks