Low red blood cell count

DonnaD · 01-24-2007, 10:52 PM

Just had my 2nd Taxol and Herceptin after 4 A/C. Red blood count is low and will need a shot ???? next treatment. What is this and can I do something to avoid yet another medication. I am on Nuelasta now for low white blood cells.

Chelee · 01-25-2007, 12:27 AM

DonnaD, I could be wrong, but I don't think there is any way of avoiding a shot to boost your RBC? That AC and Taxol is hard on both your RBC & WBC. Its just a part of going through chemo unfortunetly. I know what you mean about not wanting to take any other medications/drugs unless you have too. I felt the same way.

The Procrit isn't bad...but I know thats not your point...you just rather not add more drugs of any kind. I hear ya.

Hang in there.

Chelee

MichelleMoon · 01-25-2007, 03:06 AM

I received Procrit shots nearly every week when I was on chemo last year. The shot itself stings a bit. Like you, I wanted to avoid uneccessary medication, but getting my RBCs up was important to ensure normal blood function. I did actually feel better, experiencing less shortness of breath and fatigue, when my RBC were up.

Feel well!

tousled1 · 01-25-2007, 06:49 AM

Donna,

I am on Herceptin only and still get Procrit shots. My red blood counts continue to drop. The shot does make me feel better - less fatigue and shortness of breath. At least my white blood counts are now stable - haven't had a Neulasta shot for a few months. Hang in there.

DEBBIE S · 01-25-2007, 09:25 AM

Donna, Hello.... When I was doing my regiment almost the majority of the time I needed to have the RBC shot ... I was given Aranesp and it was given the day before I did chemo ... I would do my blood test the day before and if my % was below 35 or 36 I would need to get the shot ... I always was given the Neulasta shot for WBC regardless of the reading ... without the shots it would have been impossible to stay on the regiment long term ... My side effects from the shots were not that bad ...In time you will be more comfortable with the regiment and see the benefit from having the shots ...

God Bless and Take Care,

Debbie

ampotter · 01-26-2007, 11:15 AM

I was in a similar position last year when I was on AC. I ended up having neulasta and aranesp. My husband would give me both shots at home the evening of my treatment. I tried to avoid another shot but my doctor told me there was nothing I could do as far as diet. I do not recall any bad side effects from the aranesp. It is better to take the meds then have to delay treatment in my mind.

I hope the remainder of your treatment goes well for you
Ann Marie

juanita · 01-26-2007, 01:27 PM

I had to get the shots while i was doing treatments, and though they aren't low enough to warrant the shots any longer my rbc is still low. I've found that taking pre-natal vitamins helps some.