Low neutrophils and chemo delays

I am scheduled for my 4th treatment with Taxol and Carbo on Thursday but will need to wait for my neutrophil count to see if we can go on as scheduled. At my nadir after chemo No.2 the count was 7200, and then dropped to 1700 before chemo No.3. At my nadir after chemo No.3 the count was 1700 which is low, and is expected to drop. It has to remain above 1500 for the chemo to happen. Given the 4000 drop last time, I am worried.

I am already receiving Neulasta shots (they started them after the second treatment which I understand is a little early).

Has anyone had problems with neutropenia early on in treatment and how did this affect the subsequent treatments? I am worried that I will be off schedule, or not be able to finish all treatments, or at a lower dose or with a different med. How is this normally handled? How might this affect the prognosis?

[xrayu2]

I see alot of patients have to have a break with their chemo for the same reason.  I have no remedy or advice just a "from what I have seen" point of view.  Good luck!  I am sure your numbers will be up before much longer.

[milashka]

Talked to the chemo dept. today and I am set for today. The neutrophils were actually 17,000 not 1700 10 days ago but they have now dropped to 1550. 1500 was the cut off so I made it by a hair.

A reaction to carbo? How bad was it? I have heard that reactions are uncommon until after the 6th treatment (that's why they stop there).

[kathy o]

My case same as yours, you never know until you get your blood counts. my Drs. will just keep the Taxol Carbo coming as long as it is safe, last week my white blood cells were only 2.8 but Neutrophils were acceptable range so we went ahead. I had a reaction to Carbo last week and they pulled it. Dr. was gone that day. Called me Mon and told me more pre-meds next time (steroids). Everytime I have some sort of reaction they tell me, oh we have drugs for that.  So good luck it just requires alot of resting and Pain Killers! My Drs. are not into me missing any Chemos.

[kathy o]

The reaction was, burping, hot, nausea and lala land. I have been having reactions to Chemo since the first time they even got it close to me. Good luck today....