Dad has colon cancer..and has had 2 treatments so far.. Folfox program.. Today, he did his blood work..and found out his white cell count is low..will have to another week to do his usually biweekly Tuesday treatment.. I am very upset, as I want him to get his 13 treatments done..of course..soon as possible. Has anyone had this happen? Thanks.. Concerned Daugther..
2007-07-30 07:38:07 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
It's very common for this to happen. And the week of delay will not affect the outcome.
Try not to be upset, instead focus on helping him enjoy the extra week of recovery. If it's warm where you are, sit outside in the shade and enjoy the day (avoid the direct sun, folfox drugs affect sensitivity to UV).
Also don't get too hung up on the "13" treatments. It's just a number. They may end up doing more, or less. Many patients end up having side effects to the extent that they stop chemo early. And some doctors tell "X", not really expecting to get through the whole course, but not wanting to understate the likely treatment duration.
Hang in there - this thing is beatable.
2007-07-30 10:11:26 · answer #1 · answered by heckenhocker 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
White blood cells suffer during most, if not all, Chemo treatments.
This is why we need to have blood work done before each treatment.
Everyone's body recovers at a different rate.
The treatment I was on is normally done on a 3 or 4 week cycle. My oncologist recommended the 4 week cycle so my body had time to recover, which it did so well they talked about stepping me up to a 3 week cycle.
Nearly all the people I spoke to at treatments on a 3 week cycle had at least one of their treatments delayed due to blood problems.
A 2 week cycle would be very tough on a person, and he will feel better for the delay.
2007-07-30 12:07:18 · answer #2 · answered by Tarkarri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have to get his white cell count up before they can even think about continueing treatment. If his immune system is not healthy he could get sick very very easy if the weaken it further with more treatments. Don't be in such a rush to heal him that you get him killed in the process so to speak. THe docs know what they are doing and what they are talking about. My dad lives with his prostate cancer that came back every single day of his life but he is stable right now so trust me your dad will be ok if you just let the docs get him healthier first before they continue treatment.
2007-07-30 07:42:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
im sorry....i've got faith approximately his white cells which you extremely shouldn't bypass on a wintry climate holiday because of the fact maximum cancers sufferers inmune device has a tendency to bypass down lots for the duration of chemo...this implies your dad ought to truly finally end up with pneumonia in this time of the 12 months. i actually wish your dad receives extra appropriate, so i could attempt to ask your self him and convey the holiday journeys to him. attempt making a ask your self social gathering together with his closest pals, lease video clips, watch family contributors video clips, specifically make him snicker lots so he feels chuffed in any respect cases. in case you reside in a position that snows then attempt getting some sand and convey it in to the abode and build a sand castle or some thing like that with your dad so he does not omit going exterior. Make a coastline social gathering interior the abode and ever make a CD with the sea's sound. My prayers bypass to your loved ones and your dad. wish this works!
2016-12-11 05:05:26 · answer #4 · answered by carra 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is very common there is a shot you can get after each chemo called nuelasta(sp) that helps you produce more white blood cells..i had to start getting it when my levels dropped real low having to delay treatment..when i asked the docter why they didnt just give it to me to start with he said well your young we didnt think you would need it
2007-07-30 11:32:33 · answer #5 · answered by little78lucky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
His white cells have to be high enough. This happened to my husband when he was given chemo. He also had to have blood transfusions.
2007-07-30 07:58:55 · answer #6 · answered by redwidow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unfortunately it is very common, and don't worry, he will get his 13 treatments done.
2007-07-30 10:52:15 · answer #7 · answered by HockeyGirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IT IS A MATTER THAT HAS TO BE MONITORED. HE SHOULD BE GIVEN A MEDICINE TO REGULATE IT. THEY TEND TO CHECK IT REGULARLY
2007-07-30 08:00:03 · answer #8 · answered by Bettee62 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋