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Side Effects and Blood Counts - Conditions and Treatments
Treatment for breast cancer affects your blood counts. Blood cells are among the most rapidly-dividing cells in your body, and most cancer treatments target healthy blood cells as well as cancer cells. If your white or red blood cells or platelets counts are low, you will need treatment. Read more to learn about anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.
Flu Shots and Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects
During flu season, you may want to know if you can have a flu shot if you're in treatment for breast cancer. Your immune defenses may be low, so you are at higher risk for flu and flu complications. Learn more about flu shots during breast cancer treatment here.
Your Complete Blood Count and Breast Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy may cause lower blood counts. A complete blood count (CBC)will be done regularly during treatment for breast cancer. If your counts get too low, treatments are available to help you recover.
Hematocrit (HCT) - Blood Test Given During Breast Cancer Treatment
Hematocrit (HCT) is a routine blood test given during treatment for breast cancer, to get a count of your red blood cells and to see what size those cells are.
Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia: Symptoms, Treatment, When To Get Help
Chemotherapy for breast cancer affects all the rapidly dividing cells in your body, including red blood cells. If your CBC shows that your red blood cell count is low, you may be anemic. An injection of erythropoietin can boost your red blood cell production, helping you avoid the possible need for a blood transfusion.
Neutropenia - Side Effect Of Chemotherapy And Radiation Treatment
Neutropenia is a condition of the blood, in which your white blood cells have a low count of neutrophils. When you have neutropenia, you are at greater risk of infections, and your body is not well equipped to fight back. Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Neutropenic Diet Lowers Your Risk for Fevers and Infections
Chemo can cause neutropenia - but using a neutropenic diet and some food safety practices can protect your health. Learn more about the neutropenic diet.
Neutropenic Diet – Safe Foods During Neutropenia
The neutropenic diet list of foods to eat and foods to avoid during chemo. Guard your health when your immune system is low by eating carefully to avoid infections and fevers.
Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count) – Symptoms, Treatment, and Self-Care
Chemotherapy for breast cancer affects all the rapidly dividing cells in your body, including bone marrow cells, which make platelets, and red and white blood cells. Thrombocytopenia is defined as having a low platelet count. Learn about symptoms, risks, and treatment for chemo-induced thrombocytopenia.
Aranesp - Darbepoetin Alfa – Drug To Boost Red Blood Cell Production
Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is a drug given to patients who have chemotherapy-induced anemia (low red blood cell count). An injection of Aranesp stimulates red blood cell production, with a synthetic version of erythropoietin, a protein made in your kidneys. Learn about how it works, possible side effects, and recommendations during treatment.
Procrit - Epoetin Alfa – Drug To Boosts Red Blood Cell Production
Procrit is a man-made protein, given as a booster shot to help restart red blood cell production when chemotherapy for breast cancer causes anemia. It is a very safe drug, and has few risks and side effects.
Neupogen (Filgrastim) – Treatment for Low Neutrophil Count (Neutropenia)
Neupogen (filgrastim) is a drug given to patients who have neutropenia (low neutrophil count). An injection of Neupogen stimulates white blood cell production. It is a clear liquid that is usually given as an injection. Learn how Neupogen helps boost your neutrophil count.
Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) – Treatment for Low Neutrophil Count
Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) is a drug given to patients who have neutropenia (low neutrophil count). An injection of Neulasta stimulates white blood cell production. Learn how Neulasta helps boost your neutrophil count and protects you from infection.
How Will My Doctor Decide Whether I Need Pegfilgrastim Versus Filgrastim?
Chemotherapy can cause your neutrophil counts to drop, which puts you at risk of infection. Neutropenia is treated with Neulasta or Neupogen, but what's the difference, and how do you choose? Read more to understand your choices.
