How to increase blood count during chemo

Hi,

My partner's mom has been diagnosed with NSCLC and is undergoing chemo. Her blood count has reduced to 2000 (2 weeks after the first chemo) What kind of food can be taken to improve her blood count. Doctors have asked her not to take raw fruits or veggies for fear of infections. Also, she is a diabetic.

Thanks,

-V

Hello,

 My father is suffering from NHL Large B cell tye, he is under chemo & mab treatment. Now 3rd Chemo & 2nd Mab completed 1 week ago.

 He was all well, all of a sudden his WBC went down to 500 & RBC to 8.5. He was treated at hospital & blood was infused. The treatment is on currently.

I read somewhere that Dry Fruits will help in maintaining that. And if the patient can eat, cooked spinach might help. Doctor had suggested to eat wheat products in stead of Rice. Only freshly cooked food needs to be given to the patient.

 Regards

Vishnu I, Visakhapatnam, India

Hi,

My mother has undergone 3rd chemo after a surgery for Breast Cancer. During her 2nd chemo her blood count was 1900 after 10 days when a CBC(Complete Blood Count) test was done. Then we started giving her Kale (Murungai Keerai soup or boiled), Spinach (roast it without oil and add it tomake a chutney or cooked), Pomogranete juice. This time during CBC test after 10days of chemo has brought the blood count to 2400. Spinach, Pomogranate and Kale plays a vital part of increaing blood count. Also Green Tea helps in preventing cancer cell growth.

Hope this helps for your mom.

Take care,

VT, Bangalore, India 

 Thanks Vishnu and Hayagriva. Will include Spinach in her diet from now on.

On 7/11/2009 Vishnu wrote:

Hello,

 My father is suffering from NHL Large B cell tye, he is under chemo & mab treatment. Now 3rd Chemo & 2nd Mab completed 1 week ago.

 He was all well, all of a sudden his WBC went down to 500 & RBC to 8.5. He was treated at hospital & blood was infused. The treatment is on currently.

I read somewhere that Dry Fruits will help in maintaining that. And if the patient can eat, cooked spinach might help. Doctor had suggested to eat wheat products in stead of Rice. Only freshly cooked food needs to be given to the patient.

 Regards

Vishnu I, Visakhapatnam, India

Please note that if someone is on a blood thinner (warfarin / coumadin), a significant change of intake of foods rich in Vitamin K, such as spinach, all dark green leafy vegetable and a few other, may interfere with the effects of the medication.  Always inform your doctor if you plan on making significant changes in your diet. Thanks!

Jean, RD - registered dietitian and daughter of Mary Kaye - GBM4 brain tumor Dx March 2009