Low White Cell Count

[melgab]

Has anyone heard of a natural way to help bring up your white cell count (ie: foods, vitamins?)  During my treatments last time, I was delayed a few times due to low counts.  My insurance company did not cover Nuelasta so I was put on Nuepegen. Unfortunately with Nuepegen, you have to give yourself a shot everyday for 10 days after chemo.  

My doctor told me that she would try to see if my insurance company would cover Nuelasta this time around, but I did not get the Nuelasta or Nuepengen after my first treatment for recurrence on 3/11. The the nurse called yesterday and told me that my counts were low.  I am due to have my second treatment on 4/1 and will go for more blood work on 3/31.  I was really hoping that I would be able to get beyond 1 treatment before my numbers dropped this time and want so badly to stay on track, so I can get through this as quickly as possible.  I am sure, my doctor will prescrible either Nuelasta/Nuepegen next go around, but I want my counts to go up so that I can get treatment on 4/1.

[CFK]

My cousin (here in the UK) had endometrial cancer 10 years ago and is now  having a recurrence. She was originally treated with carbo/taxol and because it was  successful then she is again having 6 treatments. When she received the treatment 10 years ago she had bad side effects but thought it was worth it because it gave her such a long remission. This time around her white blood cells were quite badly affected after the 1st treatment. She then discovered a product called 'Life Mel Honey' which is supposed to help greatly with the adverse side effects of chemo. When she went for her 2nd treatment her blood count had gone back up and she began to feel a lot better. She had her 4th treatment last week and has not been at all tired - she went to a wedding and then had people for dinner the next day! The honey is not cheap - 40GBP for 120grams. One jar lasts for 8 days so it is a lot of money over the course of 6 treatments. However, my cousin thinks it has been well worth it because the chemo side effects have been virtually nil. I would certainly consider it if I was undergoing further chemo. If you google 'Life Mel Honey' you'll find loads of sites. This does not claim to be a wonder cure of any kind but a lot of people have found it helpful when undergoing treatments.

Good luck, Cath

[hdryder]

I too asked the chemo nurses if there was a way to bring up counts-for red they say eat more red meats and broccoli-nothing for white cells other than the shots and time.I hope your insurance pays for the ones that the nurses can give you.Wishing you the best,Mary Ann

[Lahrka]

Hi, I found a company called LIFEnhance which makes Leucozepin.  It boosted white cell levels in 90% of patients in human trials.  Specific immune support for chemo.  I've just started taking it and will let you know.

[alanpvegas]

I wouldn't say it 'boosts' it, but Maitake D-Fraction (maitake dot com) makes them more effective (and I guess in a way does 'boost' them).  It connects to a receptor in the macrophages (the WBCs that fight infection) and makes them more effective.

I'm not so 100% positive there is a 'naturual' way to 'increase' the WBC count in cancer patients simply because of the toxicity the drugs have in the body. I could, and hope, I'm wrong! :)

Have you looked into Neulasta?  

[gah_70]

What chemo you are you on?  I've had both Neupogen and Neulasta in the past, but never had to take it 10 days in a row.  Usually one shot was enough to raise my white count.  I know everyone is different, though, so I am just curious.  Like everyone else, I asked my doc about a way to help keep the white cells up.  He said protein helps, there isn't a magic pill or anything.  

Best wishes to you. Hope your counts stay up and you are able to continue treatment.

Gail

[melgab]

Well, I was on the way for treatment this morning when they called and told me that my counts were still too low. Hopefully, one more week will make it better.

My doctor tried to give me Neulasta when I went for treatments 2 1/2 years ago, but insurance would not cover so they gave me Nuepegen.  I was on (and am on again) Taxol and Carboplatin - Not sure why, but I needed to take the shots for 10 days after.  I still was delayed a few times, even on the Nuepegen.  I did ask last time if there was anything else, and they told me no - I guess I was just hoping that in 2 years, something else was found.

Thanks all for the other suggestions as well, I Googled them all and plan on talking to my doctor about it next week - with any luck :)

[alanpvegas]

There is a patient assistance program for Neulasta...don't ask me the details, it's been too long now :)