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"Absolute Neutrophils" (ANC) than the WBC itself. You should see Absolute Neutrophils listed on your complete blood count (CBC).
They used to think that a drop in WBC or ANC suggested that you were more susceptible to infections, but that advice has been tempered somewhat as studies suggest that treatment-induced neutropenia (decrease in neutrophil count) is not as significant a factor as previously thought. http://tinyurl.com/ypg2ar
Because of this, many of the more experienced liver specialists intervene later with helper drugs (preferred over dose reduction of the Interferon) such as Neupogen, even with a falling ANC.
The other thing to keep in mind is that ANC can bounce around a lot. Mine dropped as low as 320 but a couple of weeks later was over 1000, without helper drug intervention. My medical team uses an ANC threshold of 200-300 before administering helper drugs. From what I've read here, this is one of the lower thresholds. Other doctors use ANC 500, some 750 and some even 1000.
This is a good issue and something you might discuss with your doctor in advance of any potential drop in ANC. Same thing with Hemoglobin levels and Anemia. The helper drug here is called Procrit (epo).
All the best with your treatment.
-- Jim
Check your lab report. My ANC was 320 Cells/mcL
So I think mine was lower, at least I hope it was, cause 9 Cells/mcL is about the lowest I've ever heard :)
But regardless, sure glad the Neulasta bailed you out.
Be well,
-- Jim
Yikes! You win. That is low. I'm sure even my doc -- who rarely uses Neupogen -- would have prescribed it by that point. Sure glad it all worked out.
All the best,
-- Jim
Another member here, just posted that her husband's new doctor -- also on mainteance -- may be re-considering continuing based on new reports coming out of the November Conference. I believe it will be a final or update to the Halt-C trials, not 100% sure.
In any event, probably something that both you and your medical team should keep an eye out, for as it should give more conclusive information as to whether mainteance therapy is effective, and if so, how effective.
-- Jim