My goal since I started my chemotherapy has been to get it over and done with as quick as possible. Unfortunately it did not take long to get off schedule. My second treatment was delayed by one week due to having a low white blood cell count, otherwise known as neutropenia.
To prevent this in the future, my doctor ordered shots of a drug called Neulasta. Neulasta is given 24 hours after chemotherapy and is just a bit more painful to receive as a flu shot. The only side effect that I experienced was moderate bone pain for several days after the shot was given. The bone pain was relieved with an over the counter pain reliever. There are more severe side effects listed in the literature, but these are noted as being uncommon.
I was also presented with the option of another drug called Neupogen. Neupogen serves the same purpose as Neulasta but requires multiple injections to cover the same time period that a single injection of Neulasta does. This was the primary factor in my decision to go with Neulasta.
I am scheduled for my third treatment tomorrow, so I will find out how effective the Neulasta is for me at that point. For me, the additional side effects of Neulasta are well worth being able to stay on schedule and get through chemotherapy as quickly as possible.
