RCC and Anemia/Iron Deficiency

Yep

Yes, I was anemic in my initial blood tests just before diagnosis. I was told it's because your white blood cells are elevated fighting what's wrong with you and the red blood cells become depleted. I also had to take iron pills for about 6 months before it corrected itself. Been good ever since.

Scott

APny said:

Allochka. Alas, those days

Allochka. Alas, those days are behind me so that's not the problem. Ironically I was never iron deficient prior to menopause. I believe my diet is fine. Not a vegetarian but try not to eat too much red meat. Mostly chicken and fish but that should give me enough iron. Celiac was also ruled out.

Thanks, Scott. Yes, the iron pills really helped me also, as did the series of infusions but it seems as soon as I went to every second or third day it's started to drop again. Never had this issue until just before I was diagnosed. About a year or so before it, actually. They thought it might be internal bleeding so had the whole endoscopy, colonoscopy thing done. But it wasn't that. It's concerning me because I really don't want another blood transfusion or even iron infusions

Sorry, I should have guessed

Sorry, I should have guessed that if you had blood transfusions it means that docs were closely following your case and definitely excluded these most popular anemia causes.

Are you seeing a hematologist?

 

APny said:

No, but that's probably my

No, but that's probably my next step. It's just something I connect with RCC so that's why I wondered if anyone else experienced it. Perhaps they're unrelated but it's just odd that it only popped up about a year prior to my diagnosis and since the surgery. I geuss that's why I'm connecting the two. Don't be sorry; I'm grateful for your answers

I have slight anemia

I have a slight anemia right now but with me it has all my life been an issue.  Was not after 2 transfusions that were given to me because of my anemia pre-surgery and post-surgery complications, but now, one year after, Im again a little below the good mark.  If it's just a little I wouldn't worry too much but just to be on the safe side, you should talk to your doctor.  Anything and everything can make us a bit anxious now but it's good to be alert.  Be well APny!

Jojo61 said:

Hi Andi,How is your B12? And

Hi Andi,

How is your B12? And your hemoglobin? I know that those are sometimes tied in with your blood count/anemia. I am always borderline, but never to the extent that you are. Are you on any other medication that might contribute to it? I am taking Nexium for stomach acid and found out through my naturopath that Nexium blocks B12 absorption. My doctor and my friend who is a nurse, were unaware of this fact. Worth investigating.

And don't worry about posting a concern of yours - everyone has different problems and issues and we are here to help each other through these times!

Hugs

Jojo

First of all, I am sorry you

First of all, I am sorry you are struggling like this. Enuff!!

I would make sure you stay on top of this and find someone who will help you!

 

and JoJo, I didn't know that about Nexium. I also take a similar medication but my B12 is checked regularly and is okay now.

Good idea to have it checked.

Let us know how you are doing Apny!

Sending you healing vibes and blessings many!

Jan

APny said:

Thank you so much, Jojo and

Thank you so much, Jojo and Jan. I do feel foolish posting about something like this when others have so much worse to contend with. Thank you for understanding that it does worry me because I don’t know the reason.

I’m not on any meds except the iron and Xanax for anxiety. Interestingly my hemoglobin is fine at 12.3, though it too went down since June when everything including my iron levels were still good. But usually the iron drops first, then then hemo so that’s why it’s important to catch it before it does. Last summer (2014) my hemoglobin dropped to 6.5, hence the blood transfusion. God knows why that happened because as I said colonoscopy and endoscopy came back negative except for a polyp which they removed from my colon and CT scan showed nothing.

Not sure about my B12 level. Should get that checked; great advice. And I do agree that a hematologist might be a good idea instead of my PCP who is kind of stumped too.

Andi xo

You should not feel foolish!

You should not feel foolish! You have a concern, and we are here to support or share ideas what to do.  Of course it is necessary to check what is going on. But I highly doubt it has anything to do with kidney cancer history, please do not worry about it. Stage 1, succesfully treated - this really can't be the reason. Maybe smth endocrinologicaL or some other benign reason.

See a hematologist and please do not google anything - googling is always a bad idea...