anemia after chemo

Ok you smart ladies.  I need some help.  Daughter is now almost 4 weeks past last chemo.  Has good days and bad days.  We know her blood work is way off. The CA125 is doing great  but the platelets are low.  How long did those of you that had chemo take to get the anemia under control?  Doctor wants her to take a flu shot, what you you think about that?  She is taking all the things we can find that boosts the T cells. She gets plenty of exercize on her good days but when the fatigue hits it lays her low. The surgical menopause is the least of the things she is handling. She wants to try to return to work after the 1st but working with people with disabilities puts her at risk for colds etc. Not allowed to wear a mask because it scares the clients. Because it is Christmas time she will only talk to me about how she is feeling, doesn't want the rest of her family to worry. I told her to get a space suit and tell the clients  it is Halloween.  Also advised her to do 3 day weeks for a while. Not a minute of my waking day that I am not thinking of things I can help her with. But deep down I am terribly afraid.

[gah_70]

It took several weeks for my white count and platelets to return to an acceptable level.  It took MONTHS for my red cells to rebound.  My doctor preached protein, protein, protein to help the cell counts.  Eggs are great if you don't feel like eating a whole lot.  And, I don't know how you feel about processed foods, but beef jerky is another one that packed full of protein.  Just be sure to drink lots of water.  My doctor made me get a flu shot last year when I was in the middle of treatments.  He told my my immune system was too taxed to be able to fight off the flu like someone with a normal system.  They usually make me sick to my stomach, but last year, I had no problem with it.  It is probably not a bad idea, especially if she wishes to go back to work.  Plenty of Clorox wipes and hand washing will help at work.  I assume she already takes Vitamin C, but what about B12?  Chemo is such a strain on one's system, but little by little, she'll start to rebound.  But pushing it is only going to make things worse.  She's a strong lady.  She's already been through so much, so I have faith she's gonna pull this one off, too.  Best wishes to you both.

Gail :)

[SimplyStar]

Thanks everyone, I called Leslee and told her what your opinions are and she will get the shot.

[rmarie]

your daughter is done with chemo now isn't she?  Platelets take 2 to 6 weeks to return to normal after chemo, decreasing 7 to 14 days after the chemicals are given.White cells on the other hand tend to return to normal in a shorter period of time, 10 to 14 days.  Her white count must be normal, or the MD, hopefully won't have suggested a flu shot.  I got mine before I started chemo last fall.  It would not be good to get the flu, especially if her red counts are low.  I have a friend who is an oncologist and all their patients are given flu shots.

[gah_70]

They will sometimes take your temperature before they'll give one to make sure you are not already sick.  Since the virus in the shot is "dead", it can't make you sick, but it can exacerbate an already existing condition.  I was a bit leery about taking it last year, and never would have without my doctor's approval.  So, as always, that's your best bet...ask your doctor first!

Gail

[Mary 53]

I am surprised at the recommendation regarding the flu shot. I would expect that it is treated like a vaccine (which it is anyway, right?) in that you should be at optimal health in order to get it. Even when I go to get my allergy shot (dust, pollen, trees) I am asked to come back another day if I am not feeling well.

I have never had a flu shot since at one time while having allergy testing I showed a slight reaction to eggs (not severe, ...and I never had to cut them out of my diet) but because my body reacted this way even once, I have been told to stay away completely from the flu shot. But also because of this, I admit I am not terribly familiar with the process one goes through if the flu shot is recommended...I mean, do they tell you you must be feeling completely well when you get it? I am sure you will check this out. Just thought I would throw out my thoughts on this.


I am so sorry you all are having to go through all of this.

Take care, Mary

[Mary 53]

Hi Gail...as usual, I learn so much from you. Ignore my post...just rambling thoughts on the whole thing. Glad to know you did well getting the flu shot.

Take care all,

Mary

[Helmar]

The Gemzar was harsh on my red cells and platelets, so I needed transfusions/infusions for both, but I was fine after that....until the next treatment. I was interested to learn that one can have 'flu injection when on treatment, as I would have thought that would be taboo while on chemo, so I've learned something here today too. :-)
Wishing everyone well, and hope you are all feeling fit enough for the shopping season.:-) .....Helmar...