First Setback

My pre-chemotherapy meeting  involved first having an ECG and blood tests.

The results from the blood tests were not good in that my white blood cell and neutrophil counts are both low.  Both are crucial to fighting infection and, if particularly degenerated can result in the body infecting itself.

There have been instances on the the clinical trial that I am participating in where these counts are low and the idea is to provide blood boosting injections where appropriate.  That is one of the reasons for the 10 day check up but after 10 days my counts were still were still considered to be normal.  They had halved from pre-chemotherapy levels but have since halved again.

The upshot of all this is that my next session of chemotherapy will be delayed by a week.  I will go back next Wednesday for blood tests to ensure that these counts are back to acceptable levels. In the meantime I must not take the remaining Capecitabine chemotherapy tablets tonight or tomorrow.  When I resume treatment the dose of Epirubicin will be reduced by 25%.

I have been told that there is no need to change behaviour e.g. working habits but should be cautious about possible infection.

My own feeling is that the last few days have been relatively hectic and that perhaps I should ease up a bit anyway.  After all, this not a six furlong sprint but more of a Grand National.

Am I disappointed? A little, as it would be good to sail straight through, but I have not expected that and am only concerned with the end result.