Content on this website is intended for general information only. For answers
to your specific questions or to schedule treatment, we invite you to
contact us at 301-588-5858.
Our clinic offers specialized treatments for neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, and other side-effects of chemotherapy. By reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy, our treatments have helped patients to stay healthy enough to complete the schedule of chemotherapy which has been recommended by their oncologist.
The number of both red and white blood cells often declines significantly within hours or days after infusion of chemotherapy. After several weeks or in some cases several months, the number usually returns toward normal. Hospital oncology clinics perform blood tests (called a complete blood count) prior to each round of chemotherapy. These blood tests are used to determine the patient's levels of white blood cells and other components of the blood, such as red blood cells.
If these levels are too low, the next round of chemotherapy may need to be postponed in order to allow the body to recover. This situation is undesirable because it means that cancer treatment cannot proceed on the schedule which the oncologist believed would be most helpful. In recommending a treatment plan, a skilled oncologist will have considered the research evidence relating to your case, additional health conditions you may have, your personal preferences, and his or her previous clinical experience in treating people with similar conditions.
Neutropenia is present if the neutrophil count is below 1500 cells/µL. Aside from chemotherapy, there are also other causes of neutropenia and leukopenia. In order to provide effective treatment, our clinic will ask for your full medical history. We will also request to have these numbers from your blood tests forwarded to us from your oncology clinic, if available:
It is very important that patients discuss all supplements with their healthcare providers. Some common supplements, such as chromium, may cause kidney problems if the dosage is excessive or taken in combination with medications. Our clinic can help to identify safe options for nutritional support.
Our treatments help the body to use its own metabolic energy more efficiently, improving post-chemotherapy recovery and allowing the level of blood cells to return toward normal. During chemotherapy, patients often have a low level of white blood cells. Our treatments will not prevent this situation entirely, but can help patients to avoid many serious complications arising from severely low levels of leukocytes.
Pharmaceutical options exist for treatment of neutropenia. These are under the trade-name of Neulasta and Neupogen. These drugs are effective and may be necessary sometimes, but they are associated with serious and sometimes fatal side-effects, including spleen rupture, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sickle cell crisis, and allergic reactions.
Neutropenia Due to Cancer Treatment
Many types of cancer treatment can affect production of blood cells within the bone marrow. Neutropenia refers to a deficiency of neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell. Leukopenia refers to a general deficiency of white blood cells. These cells are important for fighting infections. For some patients receiving chemotherapy, neutrophils may become extremely low, leading to increased risk of serious infections from common bacteria, viruses, or fungi.Our clinic offers specialized treatments for neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, and other side-effects of chemotherapy. By reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy, our treatments have helped patients to stay healthy enough to complete the schedule of chemotherapy which has been recommended by their oncologist.
The number of both red and white blood cells often declines significantly within hours or days after infusion of chemotherapy. After several weeks or in some cases several months, the number usually returns toward normal. Hospital oncology clinics perform blood tests (called a complete blood count) prior to each round of chemotherapy. These blood tests are used to determine the patient's levels of white blood cells and other components of the blood, such as red blood cells.
If these levels are too low, the next round of chemotherapy may need to be postponed in order to allow the body to recover. This situation is undesirable because it means that cancer treatment cannot proceed on the schedule which the oncologist believed would be most helpful. In recommending a treatment plan, a skilled oncologist will have considered the research evidence relating to your case, additional health conditions you may have, your personal preferences, and his or her previous clinical experience in treating people with similar conditions.
Neutropenia is present if the neutrophil count is below 1500 cells/µL. Aside from chemotherapy, there are also other causes of neutropenia and leukopenia. In order to provide effective treatment, our clinic will ask for your full medical history. We will also request to have these numbers from your blood tests forwarded to us from your oncology clinic, if available:
| Normal Value | |
| Leukocytes | 4,000-11,000 cells/µL |
| Neutrophils | 60-70% |
| Eosinophils | Less Than .65x109/L |
It is very important that patients discuss all supplements with their healthcare providers. Some common supplements, such as chromium, may cause kidney problems if the dosage is excessive or taken in combination with medications. Our clinic can help to identify safe options for nutritional support.
Maryland Holistics provides natural treatments for neutropenia which are effective and generally have no side-effects.
Medications other than chemotherapy for cancer treatment can cause or contribute to neutropenia. These include some antibiotics, thiazides (used for blood pressure), benzodiazepines (some anti-anxiety medications), and indomethicin (often used for treatment of gout). A high level of alcohol consumption can also lower the white blood cell count. Some bone marrow abnormalities and genetic conditions may also cause neutropenia. Any concurrent infection may worsen the condition.Our treatments help the body to use its own metabolic energy more efficiently, improving post-chemotherapy recovery and allowing the level of blood cells to return toward normal. During chemotherapy, patients often have a low level of white blood cells. Our treatments will not prevent this situation entirely, but can help patients to avoid many serious complications arising from severely low levels of leukocytes.
Pharmaceutical options exist for treatment of neutropenia. These are under the trade-name of Neulasta and Neupogen. These drugs are effective and may be necessary sometimes, but they are associated with serious and sometimes fatal side-effects, including spleen rupture, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sickle cell crisis, and allergic reactions.
What Patients Experience at Our Clinic
In the hands of a skilled and experienced practitioner, acupuncture and nutritional support can safely increase blood cell counts during chemotherapy. Our treatments are effective and they are also extremely gentle on the body. Generally there are no side-effects, other than that the patient is often feeling more well-rested the next day.Call us at 301-588-5858 To Schedule an Appointment
We offer a range of natural health services and can provide these in a way that is fully integrated, designed, and fine-tuned for you to receive the maximum benefit. We can provide treatment for multiple health concerns at each appointment. If you wish to speak to Dr. Windsor prior to scheduling an appointment, please contact us for a free 5-minute phone consultation.
"Whenever the lab test information is available, I will review this
information in order to provide safe and effective care for patients in
chemotherapy. In addition to asking about symptoms, I also watch for
certain changes in the platelets and the white blood cells. These can
sometimes improve in response to acupuncture treatment. Although it is
not common, sometimes it is necessary to reschedule the acupuncture
treatment to promote safety. Monitoring the blood lab reports helps me
to know when this is appropriate."
Dr. Eric Windsor, D.Ac.
Dr. Eric Windsor, D.Ac.
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About Maryland Holistics
Maryland Holistics LLC is the private practice of Dr. Eric Windsor, D.Ac., L.Ac. Our serene, professional office is located in Ellicott City, MD. Maryland Holistics has provided care to thousands of satisfied customers since opening in 2009. Dr. Windsor is a preferred provider in the CareFirst, Blue Cross Blue Shield, GEHA, and United Healthcare networks.3525 Ellicott Mills Dr., Ste E
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: 301-588-5858
Fax: 443-308-5690