Will my mother's neutrophils ever rise again?

[snappy68]

I really hope that you are able to answer this question as I am running out of options.
Brief history of my mother's condition. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2005 which had already spread to her ovaries and 'scattered seeds' in her peritoneal cavity. After a hysterectomy she underwent 6 months of chemo(carboplatin/taxol combined) She responded well to treatment with CA125 droppping from 1300 to around 68 at end of treatment.She has enjoyed good health with little side effects during all treatments. She has had 3 recurrances with about 6 months in between treatment and the cancer becoming active again.  In July of this year her CA125 jumped up and scan showed that the cancer was again active. However,  when she went to start treatment her neutrophil count was only 0.4 so obviously treatment couldn't start. (she had just recovered from a chest infection the week before her blood was taken). The following 3 weeks showed that her blood was still at 0.4 and then on the 5th week they went up to 0.96.  Her consultant has said that her bone marrow is permanently damaged by 3 years of chemo and that more chemo is now not an option. I think she may have had neutropenia and that her cells will come up again enough for her to receive more treatment. (she has not had her blood taken again in past 2 weeks) I would be very interested to know your professional opinion before our next consultation next week.
Many, many thanks

[snappy68]

I am trying to post on Dr Goodman's forum but it always seems to be full. I'll keep trying as her advice to others is excellent.

[snappy68]

thanks again for the info.. my mum has only been on taxol/carbo as it has been effective, but I am hoping that there is another chemo that could be less harsh on bone marrow. We go back next week to see consultant to find out neutrophil count.  I will post on docs forum, thanks again for your help. It's very good of you to take the time. Hope you are well at the moment.

[withe]

You should post this on the doctors forum.

[withe]

I have never really had a break from chemo, and have been on many different kinds since 2003. It is a known fact that certain chemos are tough on bone marrow production and some will cause a person to have leukemia. Has your mother been on any other chemos besides carbo/taxol ?  Perhaps there are other treatments ? P>S I live in the USA, Withe

[snappy68]

Thankyou so much for that information. It is very helpful indeed. Could I ask you if you live in the UK or USA?  I am wondering as I live in UK and have a free health service that they may not be offering my mum everything.  I asked her consultant about neutrophil boosting drugsand was told that they are only effective if bone marrow is sluggish but because my mum's bone marrow is 'most likely' permanently damaged then there would be no point in artifically boosting her cells as the effect of the chemo could wipe them out completely. I am willing to accept if there is nothing else they can do for my mum but I kind of feel that they've thrown in the towel..you know she's had 3 lots of treatment lets not bother with the fourth.. can I also ask you how long you had between each recurrance? My mum only gets about 6 months before needing chemo again..many thanks for taking the time to help..and I hope things are ok with you at the moment.

[withe]

Depletion of neutrophils, ( commom type white cells ) is neutropenia . I have been neutropenic twice and went to hospital to have blood products, also  put on a neutropenic diet. I get nuelasta within 24 hrs of receiving chemo. Low platelets, effect bone marrow production. I have a cbc draw ,every week due to low counts.
I have had chemo for 5 yrs,have stage iv recurrent ovarian cancer,my recent Ca125 was 903.
Hope this info is of use to you and your mother. Take good care and ask questions about treatment. Withe

[msjazz]

I am assuming they give her neupogen shots or neulasta for her white blood count, is it low. It is connected to low neutrophils.  

[snappy68]

thanks for help. I  did try and send it to doctor but don't know if I did it right!! Also interested in anyone with similar personal experience.

[msjazz]

Did you mean to post this to the doctor? Go to forums page to the right hand side down to ovarian cancer.