Any way to raise white blood cell count? - Cancer: Lung Message Board

mycatsmom · 01-20-2005, 08:15 PM

Hi all,
My dad had his 1st chemo treatment for lung cancer 3 1/2 weeks ago. He was to have his 2nd one yesterday but his white blood cell count was too low. He has to wait till next week & get re-tested. He asked the dr. if there's any medication that would raise the white cell count, the dr said no. Does anyone know of anything that might help? Any foods or nutritional supplements? I know zinc is great at boosting the immune system, does anyone know if it increases white blood cells?

Thanks for any advice anyone can give!

renee_ky · 01-20-2005, 09:08 PM

Yes, there is. Here where we live, it is pretty standard to administer Neulasta (weekly for my husband, a shot) to boost the white blood cell count. Neulasta is a prescription medication that helps your body make more white blood cells to help protect you against chemotherapy-related complications like infection. Such complications can delay your chemotherapy or keep you from getting your full dose.

You can do an internet search, keyword "Neulasta" and learn more about this. I would also talk to his Oncologist about this.

Renee

renee_ky · 01-20-2005, 09:13 PM

Also do an internet search on "adaptogenic herbs". These type herbs are immune system boosters. But, before you buy or give your Dad any herbs, talk it over with his doctor. Even though they are natural, herbs can cause complications with such illnesses as cancer, there are herbs he will want to avoid. If there is a Health Food Store in your area, you should go there and talk it over with them as well. In my City, our local Health Food store was very knowledgable and very helpful in determing what should/should not be used. But, before we ever made an decisions to use herbs, we got them ok'd through our Oncologist.

Renee

mycatsmom · 01-21-2005, 08:24 AM

Renee,
Thank you very, very much for the info!! I will pass it on to my dad right away. Thanks a million!
Mary