CANCER AND NEUTROPENIA

While I would like all of my posts to be upbeat, positive, and motivating...I need to keep it real, folks. And the reality is...CANCER SUCKS. 

I am so thankful for the advancements in cancer treatments that increase survival rates and even offer hope for a cure for more people, but these drugs can come with some nasty side effects for many of us. Neutropenia is one of those side effects.

WHAT IS NEUTROPENIA?

Neutropenia is a medical condition where the level of white blood cells (neutrophils) in our body becomes abnormally low. Neutrophils play a crucial role in protecting our body from infection; without them, our immune system can't function properly. As a result, when we are neutropenic, we become more vulnerable to frequent infections, and some of these infections could be life-threatening.

Neutropenia is most often diagnosed by a routine complete blood count (CBC), which most cancer patients have regularly. I quickly became familiar with my WBC and ANC numbers when I was going through chemo treatments. I have had a CBC done at least once a month since 2016.

ABSOLUTE NEUTROPHIL COUNT (ANC)

Neutropenia can be triggered by:

• chemotherapy
• radiation
• the use of certain drugs

WHY DOES CANCER TREATMENT CAUSE NEUTROPENIA?

Cancer treatments such as chemo or radiation destroy cancer cells. They may also destroy healthy neutrophils and the bone marrow that makes them. Neutropenia is a very common side effect of chemo, but it can also be caused by other cancer drugs. 

When I had a recurrence of breast cancer in 2020, I was put on Ibrance. I did great for a while, but my WBC and ANC eventually dropped lower and lower. Finally, the doctor switched me to Verzenio, which has been shown to have great results without lowering the ANC as much as the previous drug.

My numbers were steady for a while. Consistently low but within an acceptable range. And thankfully, the Verzenio has been doing its job! However, my numbers started dropping recently, causing my doctors to keep me off of Verzenio for a week. We have now cut the dosage back to one pill daily instead of the usual 2, hoping the numbers will return closer to normal.

Even though I've had to follow at least some neutropenic precaution guidelines for a long time, right now, I have to be even more strict. My numbers are the lowest they've been in a long time, and due to the number of cases of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 in our area, I've been advised to just hunker down at home for now.

AND....this sucks on so many levels! I missed celebrating my 70th BD on February 4th and my sweet boy's 23 BD on February 5th. Also, my son, Nick, is marrying the woman of his dreams in less than 2 months, and I need to be out shopping for my dress, shoes, jewelry, and other assorted items!

My doctor put me on a strong antibiotic last week when I saw him after getting my labs done because a tiny scrape on my finger looked like it was getting infected. Left untreated, even something that minor could send me to the hospital. UGHHH.

Some of the recommended neutropenic precautions-

• Wash hands with soap and water frequently, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after touching doorknobs.
• Don't share utensils, cups, food, or drinks with others.
• Don't walk barefoot.
• Keep skin moisturized.
• Avoid crowds.
• Always wear a mask to prevent exposure to airborne germs.
• Stay up to date on vaccines.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly and soak in vinegar before eating.
• Prepare foods in a clean kitchen and cook foods to a proper temperature. 
• Avoid picking up pet waste or changing diapers. Use gloves and wash your hands afterward if you can't avoid these things.
• Wear gloves when gardening or working in the yard.
• Contact your doctor for any fever at all.

As I said, these are just some of the precautions that must be taken when neutropenia rears its ugly head. 

I'm trying to take this latest drop in numbers in stride, but it's tough. I want to spend every minute I possibly can with my family and friends, but it's difficult to do when so immunocompromised. 

I go back to my oncologist next week for my regular monthly visit and for lab work. I'm praying for some good lab results!