Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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Sigh. Today was disappointing. I took Athena to the oncologist for her second chemo treatment and I was told her WBC count was too low. I left with 7 days of antibiotics and made an appointment for next Friday to come back again. My onco seemed confident that her levels should be high enough next week, but we will have to lower her dosage for the next treatment. (We are on Carboplatin, once every 3 weeks. Also, I had her tested 1 week after the first chemo at my regular vet and they said her WBC at that time was high.) She is feeling good otherwise. I am trying to tell myself this is just a temporary setback. Has anyone else dealt with low WBC so early in their chemo protocol? I am afraid we won't be able to complete the full series of treatment.
04/09/13- OSA Diagnosis ~ 04/23/13- Left Forelimb Amputation ~ Carboplatin Chemo (6 total)
July 2006-November 18, 2013
I will always love you, Athena.
Yes, the exact same thing happened to Roxy. Her second chemo was delayed by a week due to low WBC. We're scheduled for her third next week and am hoping it is normal (they reduced her 2nd chemo dosage).
From what I understand, it is very common and normal, and just demonstrates that the chemo is working!
Don't worry!
Mica
Hi Jess,
I went through the exact same thing and had a minor (ok major) freak out! I was so upset that it happened after just one time! (see my entire thread here: http://tripawds.....s-a-no-go/)
We are now 7 weeks post ALL chemo, and I have since learned that this was a good sign that the chemo was WORKING. It was also not the only time it happened during Jill's four rounds of chemo. Round four had to be delayed due to a low WBC as well. I totally understand where your mindset is at right now, I was COMPLETELY shocked that it happened after just one round, and let me tell you, her numbers REALLY dropped, they were extremely low. She was acting totally healthy and normal, so when they called me with the news that she couldn't have round 2, I was stunned.
I promise, now that we are done with IV chemo, it was just a small setback and I actually felt more confident knowing that the chemo was doing its job. It never meant we couldn't complete chemo. All we had to do was two weeks of antibiotics and she was good to go!
Let me know if you have other questions!!
Erica
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
Thanks Erica and Mica! I just needed a little reassurance. That's why I love this group. Fingers crossed we will be good to go for round 2 next week.
04/09/13- OSA Diagnosis ~ 04/23/13- Left Forelimb Amputation ~ Carboplatin Chemo (6 total)
July 2006-November 18, 2013
I will always love you, Athena.
Same thing happened to Zeus. He was scheduled for six rounds of Carboplatin - one every three weeks. When we went for round two, the counts were too low so we postponed for a week. Counts were better so vet gave a reduced dose. Went for round three and it was the same thing and we had to wait a week. At that point we just changed the protocol to a reduced dose every four weeks until he was finished. Our vet also told us that it was a sign the chemo was working and that it should not reduce the effectiveness enough to cause a problem. If it eases your mind any, Zeus FAR outlived his initial prognosis despite this "setback" with chemo!
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Happened to us a couple weeks ago! Lili is in the middle of 5 rounds of Carbo, 3 weeks apart. Bloodwork after first round showed low WBC and our second treatment was delayed a week. I was worried it wouldn't climb back up, but one week later her levels were fine. That was two weeks ago. I do not believe they lowered the dose but I will check on that.
Third treatment is scheduled for late this week, assuming ok bloodwork mid week. Fingers crossed for all of us!
Hi Sweet Jessica and the Lovey Athena!
Ya' see, it all depends which side of the coin you are on?
I worried sometimes because Happy Hannah did NOT have any WBC challenges so did that mean the carbo wasn't working?? So, either way, you'll worry!!
As you can tell, I bet half the people here experienced that.
Hummmmm. ..perhaps another survey is min the works!
Surrounding you with calm.. Just step I to that sweet Athena's grace ad you'll feel so much better.
Lots of love, Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
I don't have any experience with IV chemo and WBC's other than what I've read here which sounds like it's not uncommon. Just want you to know we are thinking of you and wishing you the best.
Amy & Libby
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Thanks for the response everybody! It certainly does seem common after reading about your experiences.
04/09/13- OSA Diagnosis ~ 04/23/13- Left Forelimb Amputation ~ Carboplatin Chemo (6 total)
July 2006-November 18, 2013
I will always love you, Athena.
Great news from our appointment at the oncologist today! Her count was high enough to do treatment #2. It was reduced from 300mg to 270mg, so we'll see what difference that makes. Just to point out how much these numbers can fluctuate... before her amputation her numbers (lymphocytes?) were 2000, 1 week after her first chemo it was 5000, 2 weeks after that it was 600, today it was 6000. Big difference that just 1 week can make! I'm just happy that we are able to keep moving forward with the chemo.
BTW, I grabbed Athena's Tripawds bandana before leaving the house and put it on her. The girl that brought Athena back to me in the waiting room said everyone in the back loved it! 
04/09/13- OSA Diagnosis ~ 04/23/13- Left Forelimb Amputation ~ Carboplatin Chemo (6 total)
July 2006-November 18, 2013
I will always love you, Athena.
jessk said
Athena's Tripawds bandana ... everyone in the back loved it!
Pawesome! 
Thanks for remembering it. Every patient needs a 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So glad her WBC rebounded! 
That's crazy how all over the place the numbers are.
In another post, I reported that after delaying the second treatment, we also had to delay Lili's third treatment this week. Very frustrating, but I am remaining hopeful for next week!
YAY ATHENA:-) 
You studied really hard this time and passed your test! Greatjob!!
Crazy how those numbers fluctuate-----yeat another example of the nutty roller coaster ride this journey takes you on.
Just want to make sure you got my email.....you know, the one where I'm OVER THAT GREAT BIG GIGATIC FULL MOON when I received Happy Hannah's sketch:-)
And the fact that we are both in Virginia....Tripawd Power!!
Pretty sure it's time for more photos of Athena---no, actually PAWSITIVE it's time!! Don't deny us that sweet ug any longer!
CONGRATYLATIS to you both ad look forward to more updates.....did I mention....WITH PICTURES!!!!!?.
Hugs to you and to Athena (((((HUGS)))))
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Glad to hear your up and running strong again.!. Will be following your continued good progress.
Here ya go, Sally. Pictures from a few days ago when Athena got a new toy. She loves the toys that make the duck honking sound!
http://athenass.....C05423.jpg
"Stop taking my picture!"
04/09/13- OSA Diagnosis ~ 04/23/13- Left Forelimb Amputation ~ Carboplatin Chemo (6 total)
July 2006-November 18, 2013
I will always love you, Athena.
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