Triple Negative & Low Red Blood Cells

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broncarati
broncarati Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

I have completed 4 A/C treatments, and 2 Taxol infusions.  I have10 more Taxol infusions to go, followed by surgery to clean up, and then a determination of radiation.  I've done this with the help of friends, and a strong support group, but without ever reaching out to anyone with my diagnosis.  I started reading some of the other threads, and there is something that I'm not seeing.  It seems like most people have been able to work and exercise through this, and felt better because of it.  I have been having a struggle keeping my red blood cells up, and have already had a blood transfusion 2 weeks ago.  I also have 2 cardiac stents, and strong anemia makes my organs work harder.  I have a hard time getting out of bed for longer than an hour or so at a time.  I get ridiculously exhausted.  Am I just letting myself be too lazy, or am I listening to the limits my body is trying to instill. Any thoughts would be helpful. I'm 49, and before the diagnosis, I was a type A, go go go person. Now ... nothing ....

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited March 2012

    Broncarati:

    You just have to be patient and go with the flow of your body.  We are all individuals and we will all react differently to treatment.  I was not one of the lucky ones that just "skated" through chemo with minimal side effects.  If it could happen - I got it.  I had every side effect known to man and then some, but made it through.  I had my infusions on a Thursday, went to work on Friday, suffered over the weekend, and often felt like like I was still dying on Monday, but dragged myself to work.  Other than the week I had in the hospital for febrile neutropenia, I worked throughout, but mainly because I HAD to.  I am a widow and I raise my grand-daughter, so I had to keep on keeping on.  It was nasty and I would hate to have to do it all again, but I managed it.  There are many gals that can't even fathom working during treatment, and then there are many that do work without any real problems.  Don't be so hard on yourself.  You are going through treatment, and it's nasty, plain old nasty.  Give yourself some kindness, and know that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.  I wish you all the best.  Come join us all on the "Calling all TN's" thread, you will have much company.

    Linda

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited March 2012

    The first time I went through this I was able to work, with some schedule adjustments. this time I couldn't. I tried. I worked a little, but it was hard, looking back on it I should have listened to my body more and not work, but I needed the money. Give yourself the chance to rest, when you feel like doing something, go do it, but make sure you do not over do it. I do think it helps to do a little bit of exercise, even if it is a walk to the mailbox, but you really do need to listen to your body. There were certainly days I could not even make it to the mailbox! With anemia you could possibly make your body work too hard, so don't be hard on yourself. Take advantage of the good days, and rest on the bad!

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited March 2012

    Bron..I hear you..I'm also a go go person..I can't sit down very long or sit still...you are probably getting a neulasta shot for the white blood cells but nothing for the red..correct?  My reds were a little low...Do you eat red meat?  I tried to eat alot of red meat during chemo...I mean medium rare or  rare...maybe try dark green veggies like spinach, etc...too...I have NO proof at all that this will help but I made it through chemo ok.

    After chemo/rads I was exhausted..finally the drugs were through me and I just crashed...slept and ate, slept and ate...you can do this.

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  • broncarati
    broncarati Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2012

    Thanks all.  I've been getting out the past two days for short walks with a friend, and am trying to push myself a little each day.  I still have 9 Taxol treatments, and my dr. is getting me prepared for a partial or full mastectomy at the end, followed by 6 weeks of daily radiation.  I'm hoping to get some energy back so I can at least work 2 days a week soon. 

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