Hemoglobin

Deb5108

I have been have low hemoglobin levels 8.2 and they want me to get Aranesp shots however, from what I have read those shots can affect the heart and there is heart disease on both sides of my family ( My Dad passed Christmas Day of a massive Heart Attack with no warning) so I am a little worried about this and they keep telling me there is blood in my urine but, no UTI or bladder infection so is this common when doing A/C?  I am done with those treatments and starting Taxol once a week for 12 weeks any advice???? Thanks

suemed8749

Hi Deb!

After several (4 or 5) treatments of Taxol/Carboplatin/Herceptin, I got down to 8.4. My nurses wanted me to have a transfusion or Aranesp, but I refused both - just stubborn, I guess, but I too had heard bad reports about the Aranesp, and the thought of a transfusion just creeped me out. Anyway - they frowned a lot but continued chemo. They did make me come in every week for a CBC for awhile (Okay, if you won't get treated, we have to watch you like a hawk!) Anyway - I finished chemo on July 22 and my hemo has been slowly rising (I'm getting Herceptin every 3 weeks.) Yesterday I was back to 12.5. I was tired, but I went back to work at the beginning of August (end of summer break), and feel great now.

Best wishes to you and hope you make the best decision for you.

Sue

lisa39

Hi there,  I took 20 mgs of iron and it seemed to help.  My hemoglobin stayed on the low side - but in the acceptable range.  You can get iron tablets at a GNC or other vitamin store.  If you take it, make sure to do so on a full stomach because it can cause upset. Also get enough fiber, because it can cause constipation.

Good luck

lisa39

Hi there,  I took 20 mgs of iron and it seemed to help.  My hemoglobin stayed on the low side - but in the acceptable range.  You can get iron tablets at a GNC or other vitamin store.  If you take it, make sure to do so on a full stomach because it can cause upset. Also get enough fiber, because it can cause constipation.

Good luck

Anonymous

Deb, I absolutely encourage you to resist Aranesp. FDA has recently restricted its use in cancer patients. There is a strong indication that it stimulates tumor growth.

Unless you aren't able to function in your daily routine because of the low hg, please resist letting them use Aranesp.

My hg got very low too, but the onc was not eager to offer Aranesp because of the problems with it, and his belief is that if I am not suffering fatigue or heart function impairments, no need to treat "the numbers." Treat symptoms, not numbers.

Is a blood transfusion not possible for you?

wishiwere

Get yourself some cast iron pans to cook in till you are through treatments. They really do help.  Also, increase your proteins that will help, red meats, and other food proteins.  

ratbait

I was able to raise my hemoglobin by over 2 points while on treatment through diet.

I ate buffalo daily (buy it at whole foods, trader joes, or your supermarket)  with vitamin C (oranges or orange juice) and without calcium (no milk or cheese or multi vitamin with this meal.

I also supplemented with trader darwins whey protein powder (again from Trader Joes) that is high in iron.

It worked for me, but it did take about a month for the levels to rise.

Debbi5108

Thank You all for responding and I did take your advice. My Hemoglobin is now up with no Aranesp or transfusions you guys are great.  I was against the aranesp from the get go as I lost my dad to a massive Heart attack on Christmas day and there was no warnings just Boom!! ( He was my whole world besides God) There is a family history of Heart disease so Thank You. I am Now on Taxol which is easier less SE and my counts are steadily rising although I can't believe I am saying this but, I am about over Steak and spinach LOL But, I do love Buffalo!!! I can't thank you all enough for the advice.

shed

did any of you ladies, have a low platelet count.  ???