my sister "OD'd" on chemo resulting in a "zero" wbc...she is on antibiotics and I want to know how

Mary, I can't say what the doctors will decide, but usually if the WBC drops too low, chemo is delayed until it comes back up.  I developed a fever twice during 8 chemo treatments and had to take antibiotics.  Fortunately, for me each time my WBC got high enough by the time my next chemo was due to get my treatments on schedule.  However, it is not unusual for chemo to be delayed if the counts don't come back quickly enough.  Everyone responds differently to chemo, and no one can predict what her WBC will do.  It sounds like her doctors are monitoring her situation closely.

Hi Mary,

The thing about chemo is that it attacks the good cells and the bad and it can really do a number on the white cells that fight infection. I have had chemo delayed a couple of times due to a low white cell count. And, in late 2006, chemo was cancelled and I was hospitalized with a zero count. That time, it took me more than a week to bounce back.

The shots help alot. I now take Neupogen after each treatment and I have not had any further problems.

The question of how long depends on how long it takes the white cells to bounce back. Your sisters oncologist won't want to further attack her white cells until they have rebounded. It sounds like she is getting good care - the shot, antibiotics and rest are the best things.

One other thing - people undergoing chemotherapy should be especially careful about germs. Seperate towels, lots of handwashing and avoiding crowds and sick people are a really good idea.

Good luck to you both-

Laurie

Hi Mary

Her doctor will most likely halt chemo until her WBC count rises, which no one really knows how long that will take as each person is different.  Though those shot (I'm assuming you mean Nuelasta?) help, they cannot prevent all the damage doen by the chemo meds and that is why her doctor doe routine blood tests.

I would recommend that in addition to taking the antibiotics, that she also take a multi vitamin and load up on C and maybe Zinc (but run it by the dr to make sure) as vitamins will help boost a healthy immune system.  Also as long as she is in treatment I would avoid sick people, carry hand sanatizer gel, and possibly kids from like daycare or camp that are like walking germs.  unfortunatly some of these precautions may be necessary in order for her to complete her treatment.  Another factor in her recovery time will be if she is eating well and getting plenty of rest.

Hopefully by following the above she will be able to stay healthy enough to finish chemo in a timely manner.

Good luck!

Angi