transfusion

jadav1956
jadav1956 Member Posts: 95 Member
Hi all !!! I got my lab results back from my 6th chemo. My platelets are at 44, so I am going to have a transfusion in the next couple of days. Soon as they can get me in. I knew I was awfully short of breath and tired, and now I know why. Has anyone else had to experience this? The onc said most likely having been through 6 chemos. I also had to have the taxtotere this last tx. Anyway as always any info most appreciated. Thanks Jackie

Comments

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    FEEL BETTER SOON!
    Although I've never had a transfusion, I know those symptoms of platelet problems well. I'm sure your transfusion will go well, and I know that it will make you feel better. Was #6 your last chemo? I also had to switch to Taxotere during my recurrance, about the 3rd round. I apparently developed an allergy to Taxol, which I have added to my list of medications to which I am allergic.

    Sending hugs and prayers so you feel better soon!

    Monika
  • clamryn
    clamryn Member Posts: 508
    Short of breath and tired
    I am on the taxotere and I have experienced the shortness of breath and I very very tired. This sure has taken a toll on me. I have had only 4 treatments and I don't know if my body can take the other two. I was in the bed most all of September and October. I do have a lung problem and I always think that my shortness of breath is due to that. I have been so weak. I hope this taxotere is working because it sure has been a tough one to go through.

    Jackie I pray the transfusion will put you back on your feet. I will be praying for you.

    Linda
  • MK_4Dani
    MK_4Dani Member Posts: 314
    I had 3 transfusions
    During chemo I reeived three transfusions. I had the symptoms: short of breath, fatique,pale, etc. It was a result of low blood counts. After each transfusion I felt noticeably better the next day. The transfusions took longer (8 hours) than the chemo! Good luck and hope you feel better!
    Mary
  • dreamer007
    dreamer007 Member Posts: 61
    MK_4Dani said:

    I had 3 transfusions
    During chemo I reeived three transfusions. I had the symptoms: short of breath, fatique,pale, etc. It was a result of low blood counts. After each transfusion I felt noticeably better the next day. The transfusions took longer (8 hours) than the chemo! Good luck and hope you feel better!
    Mary

    transfusions
    I had rbc, platelets, and wbc transfusions, administered over a two day time
    period, after each gemzar/carbo treatment
    my hemoglobin was a low of 6 after one treatment, and platelets were also
    extremely low (cant recall the number)

    it took a day or so to feel better, but it was great to feel energy again

    dreamer
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980

    transfusions
    I had rbc, platelets, and wbc transfusions, administered over a two day time
    period, after each gemzar/carbo treatment
    my hemoglobin was a low of 6 after one treatment, and platelets were also
    extremely low (cant recall the number)

    it took a day or so to feel better, but it was great to feel energy again

    dreamer

    My platelets dropped down to 10,000, & I had a transfusion.
    I had to have transfusions after quite a few of my chemo infusions, because I got really beaten down from chemo after chemo with no breaks. But only once was I given a platelet transfusion, when my platelets suddenly dropped to 10,000. They gave me the transfusion that same day; apparently platelets as low as 10 are an emergency situation. Wait till you see the platelets infusion bag: it looks like a bag of snot! :D

    When your platelets are low it is important not to lift anything heavy, or strain for a BM, or even stifle a big sneeze, since you at risk for internal bleeds. And be mindful that you don't inadvertently scratch an itch anywhere, as you will get blood blisters and bruises all along the area where your nails scraped. (at least I did.) Wear your seatbelt and let someone else cut things with sharp knives or scissors or garden pruners; you don't want to get cut now and you could bruise easily. 44,000 isn't scary low, but it's low enough that you are better safe than sorry. Baby yourself a little. When is your transfusion? You may be surprised to see your platelets start to climb on their own in 7 to 10 days. (((Hugs))))
  • mom2greatkids
    mom2greatkids Member Posts: 528

    My platelets dropped down to 10,000, & I had a transfusion.
    I had to have transfusions after quite a few of my chemo infusions, because I got really beaten down from chemo after chemo with no breaks. But only once was I given a platelet transfusion, when my platelets suddenly dropped to 10,000. They gave me the transfusion that same day; apparently platelets as low as 10 are an emergency situation. Wait till you see the platelets infusion bag: it looks like a bag of snot! :D

    When your platelets are low it is important not to lift anything heavy, or strain for a BM, or even stifle a big sneeze, since you at risk for internal bleeds. And be mindful that you don't inadvertently scratch an itch anywhere, as you will get blood blisters and bruises all along the area where your nails scraped. (at least I did.) Wear your seatbelt and let someone else cut things with sharp knives or scissors or garden pruners; you don't want to get cut now and you could bruise easily. 44,000 isn't scary low, but it's low enough that you are better safe than sorry. Baby yourself a little. When is your transfusion? You may be surprised to see your platelets start to climb on their own in 7 to 10 days. (((Hugs))))

    My Mom used to say that the
    My Mom used to say that the platelets looked like tapioca pudding to her. LOL!
  • jadav1956
    jadav1956 Member Posts: 95 Member

    My Mom used to say that the
    My Mom used to say that the platelets looked like tapioca pudding to her. LOL!

    Thanks all !! My transfusion
    Thanks all !! My transfusion will be tomorrow at noon. The onc said it took 4-5 hrs. I know it has to be slow and nurses watch for reactions. I just want to feel better. The onc also said I most likely wouldn't get my next chemo on 10/27 if I didn't get the blood. I have to continue on with chemo till my ca125 comes on down !! It was at 232 on 10/6. I have blood work every week, but that test every 3 weeks. I will have it checked again a couple of days before the chemo. The onc said it was pretty normal thing to have happened since I have had 6 txs. My body is just tired and weak, but I am praying and have faith. Thanks everyone. Jackie
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    jadav1956 said:

    Thanks all !! My transfusion
    Thanks all !! My transfusion will be tomorrow at noon. The onc said it took 4-5 hrs. I know it has to be slow and nurses watch for reactions. I just want to feel better. The onc also said I most likely wouldn't get my next chemo on 10/27 if I didn't get the blood. I have to continue on with chemo till my ca125 comes on down !! It was at 232 on 10/6. I have blood work every week, but that test every 3 weeks. I will have it checked again a couple of days before the chemo. The onc said it was pretty normal thing to have happened since I have had 6 txs. My body is just tired and weak, but I am praying and have faith. Thanks everyone. Jackie

    It took 6 units of packed
    It took 6 units of packed red blood cells to get me thru chemo.
    I took my laptop (they have free WiFi) and my eReader. They served lunch. It does take most of the day, but what's a girl to do?

    You will feel better, once they bump up those counts.

    Carlene
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    clamryn said:

    Short of breath and tired
    I am on the taxotere and I have experienced the shortness of breath and I very very tired. This sure has taken a toll on me. I have had only 4 treatments and I don't know if my body can take the other two. I was in the bed most all of September and October. I do have a lung problem and I always think that my shortness of breath is due to that. I have been so weak. I hope this taxotere is working because it sure has been a tough one to go through.

    Jackie I pray the transfusion will put you back on your feet. I will be praying for you.

    Linda

    TO LINDA, TOO
    I hope you feel better soon also, Linda. I remember the feeling all too well. I know the Taxotere (as most chemos) is tough on our bodies.

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member

    It took 6 units of packed
    It took 6 units of packed red blood cells to get me thru chemo.
    I took my laptop (they have free WiFi) and my eReader. They served lunch. It does take most of the day, but what's a girl to do?

    You will feel better, once they bump up those counts.

    Carlene

    Two different transfusions?
    Jada

    At first, it sounded like you were getting only a platelet infusion--but your symptoms sounded more like you were severely anemic. Most people with low platelets don't feel very different at all--the platelets are all about keeping you from hemorrhaging (bleeding too much). You could have low platelets AND be anemic--that is not unusual.

    Linda Procopio described the symptoms of low platelets very well and gave you some good information, too. She is a treasure chest of knowledge.

    Anyway, if you are getting a blood transfusion, then you WILL feel better because you will get red blood cells so you can increase your oxygen level--so your tiredness and shortness of breath will improve. So I don't know if you are getting one transfusion (only platelets) or two (and red blood cells). I don't think platelets alone will help the symptoms you described.

    Sorry to be such a nit picker--I just wanted to clear up the information so everyone is on the same page.
  • jadav1956
    jadav1956 Member Posts: 95 Member
    carolenk said:

    Two different transfusions?
    Jada

    At first, it sounded like you were getting only a platelet infusion--but your symptoms sounded more like you were severely anemic. Most people with low platelets don't feel very different at all--the platelets are all about keeping you from hemorrhaging (bleeding too much). You could have low platelets AND be anemic--that is not unusual.

    Linda Procopio described the symptoms of low platelets very well and gave you some good information, too. She is a treasure chest of knowledge.

    Anyway, if you are getting a blood transfusion, then you WILL feel better because you will get red blood cells so you can increase your oxygen level--so your tiredness and shortness of breath will improve. So I don't know if you are getting one transfusion (only platelets) or two (and red blood cells). I don't think platelets alone will help the symptoms you described.

    Sorry to be such a nit picker--I just wanted to clear up the information so everyone is on the same page.

    Hi All !! i had 2 bags of
    Hi All !! i had 2 bags of blood. I feel like a new woman !!! I can't believe what a difference it has made !!! I have no shortness of breath and I have a little color in my cheeks !!! I definitely needed that !! I got tickled cause I said I felt like a vampire !!! But hey whatever it takes !!! Thanks all for all the info !!!
  • Susan777
    Susan777 Member Posts: 97 Member
    jadav1956 said:

    Hi All !! i had 2 bags of
    Hi All !! i had 2 bags of blood. I feel like a new woman !!! I can't believe what a difference it has made !!! I have no shortness of breath and I have a little color in my cheeks !!! I definitely needed that !! I got tickled cause I said I felt like a vampire !!! But hey whatever it takes !!! Thanks all for all the info !!!

    Hi Jackie
    Sorry you have been through all of this. I know you are a trooper and will get through it. Are you still scheduled for more chemos? Keep me posted!

    Susan
  • Susan53
    Susan53 Member Posts: 178
    clamryn said:

    Short of breath and tired
    I am on the taxotere and I have experienced the shortness of breath and I very very tired. This sure has taken a toll on me. I have had only 4 treatments and I don't know if my body can take the other two. I was in the bed most all of September and October. I do have a lung problem and I always think that my shortness of breath is due to that. I have been so weak. I hope this taxotere is working because it sure has been a tough one to go through.

    Jackie I pray the transfusion will put you back on your feet. I will be praying for you.

    Linda

    Linda hope you
    Linda I hope you start feeling better soon. My prayers are going up for you. Hugs Sharon