wbc COUNTS DOWN

[Barbara]

Alice:

I have been on Herceptin alone for 20 months and I have both low White and Red cell counts. Aproximatley 2-3% of patients on Herceptin monotherpy will experience low counts. I seem to have done OK with the low couns although my oncologist has twice ordered Aranesp for my low Red Cell Count. I have refused Aranesp as there are a couple of studies that seem to indicate that red cell stimulants may contribute to the progression of cancer. As long as the number of neutrophils (in WBC) stay above 1000, my oncologist does not order Nuelasta. Some oncolgist will use 1500 at the cut off. Hope this helps.

Barbara