Symptoms Spotlight: Neutropenia with Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk

In this episode of the Symptom Spotlight Series, hosts Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk are joined by Dr. Jill Tirabassi, this podcast's team member, to break down neutropenia. It is one of the most common and important side effects of cancer treatment.Dr. Tirabassi explains what neutropenia actually means, why neutrophils matter, and how chemotherapy and CDK 4/6 inhibitors can deprive your body of these critical infection-fighting white blood cells. The conversation covers what happens when your absolute neutrophil count (ANC) drops too low, when your oncology team might delay or reduce your dose, and what medications like bone marrow stimulators (and the auto-injectors that deliver them) can do to help.The hosts also share their own personal experiences: from managing bone pain with loratadine (Claritin), to navigating a hospital admission with a dangerously low ANC, to learning what questions to ask your doctor before a fever or infection hits on a weekend.Topics covered:What neutropenia is and why it's a concern during cancer treatmentThe ANC number your care team watches and what happens when it's too lowBone marrow-stimulating drugs: how they work, timing, and side effectsLifestyle tips (diet, masking, sleep) when your counts are lowCDK 4/6 inhibitors and dose reductionsWhen to call your doctor vs. go to the ER, and why that conversation mattersThanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links. Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.