Hello All,

My father is 8 weeks into his 24 week 2nd round of chemo. Currently undergoing Taxol with Carboplatin. Recently has has low blood pressure. Was never a problem before. Nurses would kid him that he had the blood pressure of a teenager. Usually right around 120/60. Also last pro-time, his white blood cell count was below a one. Has been going almost daily for a Nuelasta shot to boost his white blood counts. I went yesterday to learn how to give the injections myself. Hopefully, I will only have to do this on week-ends (as necessary), and in an emergency. My question is has anyone been on this drug before? What if any are the side effects, and how long did you need to be on it?


Thanks,
Vickie M

Vicki, I wasn't on Nuelasta for my low white cell count. They put me on Procrit. I was also only on cisplatin chemo, only 3 treatments over the 7 weeks of rad. I can't help you with Nuelasta, but if Procrit is an option, it worked well for me the first time and I am on it again as my white cell count dropped again and it is OK this time as well. Will pray your Dad improves.

Hi Vickie,

Heather was on Neulasta and Procrit. My memory may be a little foggy, but I think the Procrit was for the red cells and Neulasta for the white. Anyway, she had the shots between each round of chemo. She had no bad side effects that I can recall. She also was on the long lasting injection, so needed fewer of them. I believe hers was to continue working for 10 or 14 days after it was given. I, too, had to learn how to give the shot. I have no medical background, so I was very apprehensive about it. It turned out that it wasn't too bad, with the first time being the worst. Just be sure to pay attention and follow the instructions and you will do just fine.

Rainbows & hugs,
Rosie

Hi Vickie,
My mom was on Neulasta for a week to ten days w/no side effects at all. There is an alternative to Procrit that only has to be given, I believe, once every two weeks. As I recall it's called Aranesp. My dad received it without any side effects whatsoever. Best wishes to you and your dad.
Sincerely,
D