• If using a toothbrush hurts, use a
Popsicle ® stick with gauze wrapped
around it or a cotton swab instead.
• Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol.
• Keep your lips moist with lip balm.
• Drink plenty of fl uids to thin the
mucus.
• Gently rinse your mouth before and
after meals and at bedtime with:
— 1 teaspoon baking soda in 2 cups
of water OR
— 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking
soda, and 1 quart water
Neutropenia
White cells protect your body from
infections. The white cells engulf the site
of infection and digest the germs. There
are fi ve types of white cells, and each
has a job to do:
• Neutrophils — these make up more
than half of the white cells and act
as the fi rst line of defense against
infection.
• Eosinophils — these respond to
allergic reactions.
• Basophils — these work in allergic
responses and carry histamine.
Low Blood Counts
• Monocytes — the second line of
defense in infections, these eat up the
germs to get rid of them.
You will be having blood tests to check
how your body is responding to your
treatments. Your blood has three main
types of cells that are measured:
• Red blood cells or erythrocytes
• White blood cells, also called
leukocytes
• Platelets or thrombocytes
The blood cells are made in the bone
marrow in the center of your breastbone,
hipbones, shinbones, backbones, and
other bones. Chemotherapy, radiation
therapy, and immunotherapy may affect
your blood counts, and your values may
be lower than normal. Your doctor or
nurse will explain what an acceptable
value is for you during your treatment
and tell you what measures to take.
• Lymphocytes — these cells are part
of your body’s immune system and
attack and destroy invading germs.
Neutropenia, a low white blood cell
count, puts you at risk for infection. If
your doctor or nurse tells you that your
white blood cell count is low, you will
need to be more aware of both your
health and the things around you.
If you are receiving chemotherapy,
you can expect your white blood cell
count to be lowest 7 to 10 days after
your treatment. Take extra care with
precautions during this time. There are
many things you can do to help prevent
infections.
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