Well, that was a real bummer. Took Carly to OSU for her second chemo treatment, but bloodwork failed to pass the stipulations. Her white blood cell count was very low at 700, and they will not do the chemo treatment unless it is 2,000+ because it will make her really sick. We don’t want that! So, with Thanksgiving coming up it got pushed back a little farther than normal. So we go back next Monday. They put her on an antibiotic for 5 days to boost her cell count back up. Just makes me worry because with her immune system so low, I’m afraid that that gives the cancer an upper hand. She has been so full of energy, and in such a good mood, getting around great, but, with her diet change to help her lose weight, she gained 1 kb. So that stinks because she acts like she is constantly starving! But, as you can see from the picture, she still loves looking out her window, and she was looking for my husband because she heard the truck, and she always wants to go for a ride. So, guess this was one of those little bumps in the road people talk about. I just hope it’s a little one.
4 comments so far
1:21 am - 11-24-2015
Oh try not to panic, that is really, really normal and I’m pretty sure it has nothing to do with survivability rates, it’s just a precaution, that’s all.
Enjoy the break and have a great Thanksgiving!
1:20 am - 11-23-2015
Yep, this happened to us as well; after that, we just increased the interval between treatments by a week, and all was good. It would be good if you could have the blood work done locally if possible, to save a possible wasted trip. Good luck going forward, have a happy Thanksgiving.
Paula and Nitro
8:58 pm - 11-22-2015
Such an adorable picture, especially knowing the “story” behind it!
As Karen said, this is not unusual at all! And, as she also mentioned, there is a theory thst the low wbc means the chemo is actually working. If I recall, I read that in the Dog Cancer Survival Guide by Dr. Dressler. Wish I could recount his explanation, but I would totally screw it up. But I do know it does not mean the immune system is being compromised. Just so you won’t be “alarmed”, there could also be a second delay…it happens.
Relax and enjoy your Thanksgiving. Carly is home and feeling great! All is well in Carly’s world!
Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
5:42 pm - 11-22-2015
Not uncommon for the WBC to be low. I had that happen at least once while my pug Maggie was doing her chemo for mast cell cancer. People say that means the chemo is doing its job!
How far a trip is it for the chemo? After I drove 45 min, dropped Maggie off for treatment and drove all the way home only to have to go back and get her we started doing her blood work at our local vet the week before treatment (I think it was the week before, it’s been a while). Good to hear Carly is doing so well otherwise. Don’t forget to celebrate that every day!
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls