Am I getting too edgy

[toby47]

First of all this forum has been a great source of info,insight,and inspiration.Thank You all.
I'm in week 7 w/inck and it's been tough I'm 60 and getting older by the second.Any ways got my wk 4 und news a few days ago,next day told my wbc are at 2.1 was at 3.3 week before.So my doc ,a G.I. says to find a hematologist,I said recommend one and get me an app't asap,turns out 2 weeks from now. Says stay away from crowds.There is no hepatologist within 100 miles of me,so I'm kind of stuck with him.To me that ***** that the guy who is treating me refers me to another doc for my blood work.Am I wrong or just getting too fixated on this . I realize how alone all of us feel with this,no matter how many people care for you.

[shanro]

how do you feel with a 1.3 count with no intervention???? what is your reason for choosing this and how often are you off the couch??? sorry for the questions - just curious since i may have some decision making about that in the future....

[flcyclist]

Toby,
Your GI is doing the right thing in suggesting you find a Hematologist to monitor your blood levels closely due to the low wbc.  The hematologist I use is with a cancer trt center, has their own equipment to process the cbc's, so you get the results in just a few minutes.  As willing said, the ANC (absolute neutrophil count) is the one to watch.  I'm in the same situation since mine went down to 0.3, so I've been going 2x per week for the neupogen shot.  When the ANC levels go below 0.5 there is a higher risk of infection, so limit exposure as you've been told.  

And great news on the 4 week und!

[toby47]

Thanks for responding, good to know how low can you go.Your Doc sounds like he went to same school.

[willing]

congrats on the w4 und!! . 3.3 to 2.1 in a week is worth paying attention to but you still room. I'm down to 1.3 with no intervention/dose reduction.  Drs have varying levels of tolerance for out-of-whack CBCs,  usually depending on their experience with the meds.  The attitude from mine seems to be, "no blood cells, no problem - call if you have major fever/green phlegm or stop breathing"  Keep an eye on your ANC. Avoiding crowds is good, but it's infected family members you really have to watch out for ( I have a cranky 20something with bronchitis in the house ...)