lisag Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Hi--I was just wondering how common it is to get blood transfusions during treatment? My father needed 2 units prior to rounds 5 and 7 of chemo, due to low hemoglobins. His hemoglobins/RBC/WBC all drop the second week after chemo, and normall jump up by the time he's due again. But twice now they've decided to give him a boost via a donor. I'm hoping it is just to ensure chemo won't be delayed. The nurses/doctors say this is totally normal, but I haven't heard much so I thought I'd double check with you guys!! That's the only things that seems like a "bad sign" these days. The tumor is gone, weight is normal, appetite strong....but the blood thing has got me worried. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 My husband had two transfusions while undergoing treatment. He did feel much better after each transfusion. I think it is fairly common for patients to need transfusions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Deb had so many transfusions she didn't have any original Blood Left. Every one Elses bloosd instead. not sure why they do it that way. Some times give injections to boost blood counts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisag Posted August 10, 2006 Author Share Posted August 10, 2006 Thanks for responding so quickly. I figured I was just torturing myself...looking more into it than I needed to. I know he feels a bit "disappointed" in himself when he needs blood, wondering if he's doing something wrong, so I'm sure it will do him good when I can honestly say it is normal. Being my dad, he knows when I'm saying things just to make him feel better versus the honest truth! Take Care! Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 He's not doing anything wrong. The chemos just knock all the good stuff out too. My Mom had MANY blood transfusions. Let him know that it's normal par for the course. And both of you hang in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Alan had 6 blood transfusions and I think 3 platellet transfusions. All part of this ugly process Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastCoastLadi Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 Lisa, don't worry about it, as you can see transfusions are just par for the course! my husband has already had one blood and one platlet transfusion, and it wouldn't suprise me at bit if he need more..... Tell your dad that it is not ususual, and that now he knows the chemo is doing it job ( beside killing the bad cells, it takes the good as well) Grace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda661 Posted August 11, 2006 Share Posted August 11, 2006 Lisa: My mom had at least 3 transfusions during her treatment -- it is very common. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitzu Posted August 12, 2006 Share Posted August 12, 2006 Instead of transfusions, my Dad received Aranesp injections, which boosted his counts. He only had to delay chemo once, and only for a week. Ask the onc. about these shots. Good Luck and praying for a cure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted August 12, 2006 Share Posted August 12, 2006 This is a good topic. Many of us and our loved ones have received the gift of blood. When I was having transfusions, I was humbled by the altruistic thoughtfullness and effort of a complete stranger. Please, if you are able to donate, put it on your calendar to give this precious gift of yourself. We are all grateful for you. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marym Posted August 12, 2006 Share Posted August 12, 2006 Hi Lisa, I had 2 red blood cell transfusions and 1 platelet transfusion during my initial 11 weeks of chemo. If my RBC was under 8, they automatically transfuse. I don't know what the platelet count is, but I was transfused at 12,000. Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Posted August 14, 2006 Share Posted August 14, 2006 Not unusual at all, if i remember correctly my Wife had Placlet's once and maybe twice and Blood Transfusion's 3 time's, Sad to say but it's just the nature of the Beast..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carleen Posted August 15, 2006 Share Posted August 15, 2006 I can't remember exactly the number of transfusions, but it was at least 4 that I can remember and procrit and neulasta with almost all chemo treatments. It is very common, and not a sign that things aren't working or that anything is being done wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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