8 replies to this topic

[cpsn0000]

My counts stablized over the past few weeks with being off Tasigna and I am set to start Sprycel here by tomorrow. My neurophils have been holding steady normal over the past couple of weeks since getting the wbc shot.

My platelet counts over the past two weeks have been 107,000 and 109,000 and then last week went down to 90,000 since I have been off Tasigna for now my 7th week. I had my BMB yesterday and then had my blood drawn and showed my platelets are down to 58,000.

What is taking place that as soon as my platelets started to climb, which took 3 weeks, over the last 4 weeks of being off it went from 107, to 108, down to 90 last week and now 58,000 yesterday.

My doctor is going to give me a shot most likely this coming Tuesday to boost my platelets...I am wondering if over the last 2 weeks my stem cells have been damaged where it can't produce platelets like it did before?

Thoughts on this?

[Trey]

Platelets will bounce around more than any other blood cell count.  This is because the spleen will sequester them until they are needed, and maybe even hoard them at times.  So you may have enough platelets, but they could be held in the spleen until needed.  I suppose a person could make themself into a science project [DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME] by causing some bleeding an hour before the blood draw to signal the spleen to release platelets -- just wondering, not suggesting it.  But I am just making the point that the spleen keeps playing with the platelet counts, so you cannot find out the true current status. Then again, if they are very low, don't assume all is fine.

There are several drugs available for boosting platelet production.  Many docs prefer to use platelet transfusions.  I would read the fine print about the drugs, since some of these drugs have induced undesirable clotting in some patients.  Here are the ones I am aware of:

http://www.drugs.com/cdi/neumega.html

http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/4942a.htm

http://www.nplate.com/

http://www.drugs.com/promacta.html

[Tedsey]

I just might try that.  I have been at this so loooong.  Time to have a little fun.  Luckily, all I have to do is shave my legs before my CBC.  That takes care of the "cutting" part anyway.  

[Susan61]

I guess I cannot try that one to check my platelets being I am on Coumadin for the blood clot I have.  I was curious if thinning my blood like I am if it would effect my platelet count.  I go next week for my routine blood work for my Oncologist.  I was just thinking about it today.

[Tedsey]

I have been dealing with low PLT since I started on TKIs Nov. 2009.  This may reduce a little stress for you.  From what my onc says, under 20,000 is when doctors get concerned.  Anything above, if if you don't have any signs of bleeding, is probably OK.  Just keep an eye out for signs of bleeding.  My PLT stay within the 20-30,000 range.  So far, so good with the bleeding.  I have had some issues with menstrual bleeding.  But if you are a male, this will not be your problem.  Also, my excess bleeding may or may not be related to my low PLT.  I have been clotting in a normal time frame from cuts and I do not bruise more than normal.  So, it is possible to have adequately functioning PLT at a low volume.  Nevertheless, I warn against extreme and contact sports.  And I wouldn't go sky diving any time soon.

What drug are you taking to raise your PLT?  I was under the impression that only a PLT transfusion can do that.

I have been on WBC stim drugs too.  As I understood, they were to stimulate the WBC called the granulocytes (which include the neutrophils).  I don't think Neupogen or Neulasta helps the megakaryocytes (the WBC-like cells that break up into PLT, a.k.a thrombocytes, as in thrombocytopenia, which we both have).  But I am open for a re-education.

Take care.  Good luck with the Tasigna.  I hope you have a much better time with it.  

[Trey]

Teds,

See the links I provided above that discuss 4 drugs used for boosting platelet production (maybe some are only available under certain circumstances).

[cpsn0000]

Thank you to everyone for your responses. I have only had one wbc shot which was neupogen and will be taking numega for my platelets. He wants to stimulate my bone marrow to start producing more platelets just like the wbc shot does. Transfusions can help, which I have had 2 so far but is crazy its still dropping off after going back up with being off tasigna for 7 weeks.

I am starting Sprycel at 20mg tomorrow. I will get this shot because I am sure my counts will get in the 20,000 range again, if not lower....Hard road, I hope I make it through all of this...

[cpsn0000]

I go for a blood check come Tuesday, I may just go on Monday because I have a feeling they will be really low by the weekend and would be nice to get a shot Monday instead of Tuesday...