Blood transfusion - anyone else?

Alicethecat

Hello Stage 1 and Stage 2ers

My hemaeglobin dropped during chemo, seemed to go up again and then started dropping from 9.8. It is now 7.2 and I am having a blood transfusion soon. My problem started after trying Arimidex for a month.

Anyone else experience this or have to have a blood transfusion due to low red blood cell counts?

Alice

SpecialK

Blood transfusions are common during chemo, or shortly after.  I am doubtful that your decreased hemoglobin stems from Arimidex, it is more likely a delayed reaction to chemo, and possibly Herceptin.  It takes a while for the marrow to recover, and if you are continuing to receive Herceptin this may be contributing to the chemo-induced anemia.  I worked in Transfusion Services, do you have specific questions about transfusion?  I have info I can PM to you if you would like.

Alicethecat

Special K

Thanks for responding! You are always so nice to the members of this board and very well-informed. 

I found your comments re a delayed reaction to chemo and Herceptin very reassuring. Finished chemo in August 2012 and rads in November 2012 but my onc said it can take some months to fully recover. 

And yes, I am still on Herceptin, so that could be another reason for the low blood count!

Had blood test for cross-matching today and will be having the blood transfusion tomorrow - can't wait any longer as very tired and down.

Hope to become Wonder Woman once the transfusion has had an effect!

Thanks again

Alice

kblack

Hi Alicethecat!  I was hospitalized twice during chemo with low white count and fever.  During my second stay, my red count also dropped.  It actually dropped to 4.5 on day 4 and was still dropping and the doctors were still kind of in a wait and see mode.  I elected at that point to have a blood transfusion as the doctors told me even when my red count started to recover, it would take some time without a transfusion.  With 2 1/2 year old twins at home, I just couldn't fathom it taking weeks for my red count to recover to the point where I could function again.  At 4.5, it was all I could do to get out of the hospital bed and go to the bathroom.

I didn't understand until I was home and recovering just how severe my situation was.  I know the transfusion was the right decision for me, but I was very scared at the time. 

I finish my last Herceptin tomorrow (finished chemo in June 2011 and radiation in August 2011).  My red count still hovers around 9 or 10.  The funny thing is that I saw my primary care doctor for a physical in Sep - she told me I was anemic and put me on iron supplements.  I went back to my next onc appt and my onc laughed and said, well, you can take them, but it won't help you.  You're anemic because of the bone marrow suppression from the chemo. 

Anyway, I don't know if that helps at all.  I have no experience with Armidex.  My Dad has stage IV bladder and prostate cancer.  He is undergoing chemo and they monitor his blood counts almost every day and give him procrit shots several times a week following his chemo.  I am not sure if your doctor discussed procrit or if it is an option for you, although it is not without its controversy.  I was offered this also as an alternative to the blood transfusion but again was told the recovery would be slow and I just didn't have the ability to wait.

sherry67

Alicethecat,

Unfortunately all through Tx I was getting blood transfusions at least once a week my hemoglobin dropped as low as 6.. Also received platelets and Potassium and Magnesium..made for very long days...so hope things improve for you...good luck

Alicethecat

Hello Kblack

Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

Your HB dropped to 4.5? Crumbs! I am so glad you are here! Very pleased to read that the blood transfusion worked its magic.

I think they are magic in a way. Mine was on Tuesday. Took a few days but I feel so much better now. Now it's on with the meat-eating and fingers crossed that the HB will stay up again. My HB was rarely above 10 or 11 before the treatment! Not keen on the idea of Procrit although it's horses for courses. Hope your Dad is doing OK.

It was really nice of you to respond and I hope your blood is hale and hearty!

Best wishes

Alice

Alicethecat

Hello Sherry

Another low HB lady on chemo. Platelet, potassium and magnesion too. Sorry to hear that.

How are you now?

Alice

Alicethecat

Kblack

Sorry, forgot to say, congratulations on finishing the Herceptin!

Another step on the walk back to normality.

Forget the new normal - let's get back to our old lives, I say.

Best wishes

Alice

sherry67

Alicethecat,

Thank god everything is back to normal except for the potassium still on the low side..thanks for asking