told to stop interferon

[jt57]

Had cbc today.  wbc 1.8
                        anc  .8
                        hgb  9.2
                        plt    40

My GP called my hep dr. and he said to stop the interferon and have cbc next week.  In my opinion, I think we should be discussing reduction in dosage, not stopping.  But I have had this sort of issue with my dr. in the past....

What do you guys think?

Jean

[geterdone]

The procrit is starting to work again, from 40 to 57 is a good sign.

jasper

[jt57]

I did talk with my dr.  He felt that with my wbc and anc, and the platelet issue, I should reduce to 90 tonight, instead of 180.  But no neupogen yet.  I told him I would comply, but I am only planning to reduce to 135, not 90.  My hema said not to worry about neupogen, and he would not worry about the platelet issue as of yet, but of course the call is my liver doc's.  

I am tempted to not reduce tonight.  You guys have got me thinking.....

jt

[gauf]

I'm with FlGuy on this. Your numbers look just fine for tox. Mine are worse.  I would not reduce at all. Be firm with the doc; this is your life.

[FlGuy]

Although the doctors rule (sort of ) - if it were me I stay on full dose of peg and riba.  The ANCs, if they get low enough, are fixable with Neupogen.  If hgb tanks, there's Procrit.  Although there's nothing like those for platelets you can see that the platelets bounce around.  And, as long as the platelets stay north of 30 or so the hemotologist should not have an issue.  Treatment is rugby, not badminton.  It's a contact sport so get in and mix it up.

[jt57]

excuse me!  my....not me!

[jt57]

OK!!!!!  Here are me cbc results from this a.m.
WBC  1.7
LY  47.0
MO  10.5
GR  42.5
ANC  700

HGB  10.2
HCT  31.8
PLT  57


I did reduce my riba on Fri p.m. by 200.  I am now taking 800 a day.  I am to take my interferon tonight.  my procrit again Sat. a.m. Waiting for my liver dr., and my hema to call back after getting these results and talk with me about what to do.

Here is my opinion.:  I am starting wk. 20.  My whites and anc is steadily dropping.  My platelets are crazy.  40 on Friday, and 57 today?  What's up with that?

I think I should stay on the 800 daily of riba.  Cut the interferon to 135 instead of 180.  Until all my counts come up some and level off.  Then go back to full dosage.  

I am afraid that if I don't, I could put myself in a position to have to stop completely.  I would rather reduce, and stay in the game, than be out altogether.  Not sure whether to introduce neupogen into the mix yet or wait a couple of weeks.  

What do you guys think?

JT