Low red blood count!

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monica811
monica811 Member Posts: 10
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My red blood count is 8.8 after my first four chemo treatments. Had a double mastectomy with expanders. I am supposed to have my fifth treatment tomorrow if my blood is ok. Just wondering if there is a link between breast surgery with expanders and a drastic drop in red blood count. My iron is fine, but have not checked b12.

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  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #2
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    I don't know Monica. I hope
    I don't know Monica. I hope someone that knows something will reply to you.


    Hugs, Debby
  • Jennifer1961
    Jennifer1961 Member Posts: 137
    #3
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    It's probably the chemo.
    It's probably the chemo. After I had round 5 (of 6) my red count went down to 8.6. They told me I was in danger of having to have a transfusion. I drank a lot of fluid, ate liver, steak, beans anything with iron. Within 5 days I was back up to over 10. If your count is not back up try eating high iron stuff and drinking a lot and exercise if you can.
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #4
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    Chemo Induced Anemia
    Chemotherapy causes suppression of bone marrow (where red blood cells are made) that may result in anemia.

    And sometimes, no matter what you do, you may need a transfusion or an ESA (erythropoietic stimulating agent) because of the chemo. But, hopefully with a multivitamin every day (no skipping a day), rest, plenty of fluids and a healthy diet (lots of dark green leafy lettuces or spinach and red meat-if you are not a vegetarian). The multivitamin is important, even if your iron level is normal, because other vitamins and minerals are also crucial to making red blood cells.

    Here is a link:

    Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia in Cancer Patients

    And below is some info from the Mayo Clinic re diet and anemia:

    "Many types of anemia can't be prevented. However, you can help avoid iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemias by eating a healthy, varied diet, including:

    ■Iron. The best sources of iron are beef and other meats. Other foods rich in iron include beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruit, peanut butter and nuts.
    ■Folate. This nutrient, and its synthetic form, folic acid, can be found in citrus juices and fruits, bananas, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes and fortified breads, cereals and pasta.
    ■Vitamin B-12. This vitamin is plentiful in meat and dairy products.
    ■Vitamin C. Foods containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, melons and berries, help increase iron absorption.
    Eating plenty of iron-containing foods is particularly important for people who have high iron requirements, such as children — iron is needed during growth spurts — and pregnant and menstruating women. Adequate iron intake is also crucial for infants, strict vegetarians and long-distance runners."
    From:
    Anemia and Diet from the Mayo Clinic
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143 Member
    #5
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    Anemia
    I developed chemo induced anemia and had to have a shot, but not a trasfusion. Cynthia had some good advice. These things happen, unforutnately, but you sound like you're on top of things. Good luck.

    Mimi
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #6
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    mimivac said:

    Anemia
    I developed chemo induced anemia and had to have a shot, but not a trasfusion. Cynthia had some good advice. These things happen, unforutnately, but you sound like you're on top of things. Good luck.

    Mimi

    Hey Mimi
    Welcome back, good to see you. You always have very good sound advice.
    Kathy ~
  • Ladymom
    Ladymom Member Posts: 10
    #7
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    low blood count
    I had a transfusion of two units of red blood cells on the day of my 8th Taxol treatment. I was getting short of breath even walking up the ramp between two areas of the medical center. I asked my chemo nurse how low my numbers needed to get before a transfusion. The doctor was consulted, blood was taken, and my numbers had indeed gone down. I felt so much better afterwards.
    The big question is how is your anemia affecting you. The doctor won't let the numbers go dangerously low but you need to communicate to your doctor how you feel.
    I hope this helps.
    Ladymom
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    #8
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    Monica
    I had double mastectomy but no expanders. My red blood cell count only went down a little to borderline anemic. Most likely it's the chemo but ask your dr.
    {{hugs}} Char
  • linpsu
    linpsu Member Posts: 747
    #9
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    transfusions
    I had 2 blood transfusions due to chemo-induced anemia. I think my number was down around 7. I had 4 rounds of A/C and 4 of Taxol. I felt SO tired before the transfusions - could barely move. The transfusions were no more of a big deal than chemo, except that I did have allergic reactions both times. But the good thing with the transfusions was that I felt so much better afterwards!
    Linda
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #10
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    I had chemo induced anemia
    I had chemo induced anemia for which I took pills (Aranesp) because I didn't want a blood transfusion. You will fill much better once you get your count back up. xoxoxox Lynn
  • CeeCee410
    CeeCee410 Member Posts: 19
    #11
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    Monica, I had a transfusion
    Monica, I had a transfusion of two units of red blood cells right before my final chemo treatment. I was having difficulty breathing and was hospitalized. Once I received the transfusion, I started feeling much better. I can say there was no link between my BMX (and TE implants with Alloderm) and my low count because this occurred prior to the surgery. I do hope that you're able to get your treatment without a delay!
  • monica811
    monica811 Member Posts: 10
    #12
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    CeeCee410 said:

    Monica, I had a transfusion
    Monica, I had a transfusion of two units of red blood cells right before my final chemo treatment. I was having difficulty breathing and was hospitalized. Once I received the transfusion, I started feeling much better. I can say there was no link between my BMX (and TE implants with Alloderm) and my low count because this occurred prior to the surgery. I do hope that you're able to get your treatment without a delay!

    Issues with the TE and/or alloderm?
    Hello. Just wondering if you had or have any issues with your expanders and alloderm. I still have some kind of bruising or something below my right expander....where the alloderm is supposedly. Doc's don't seem concerned, but I am. What's your thoughts?
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #13
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    monica811 said:

    Issues with the TE and/or alloderm?
    Hello. Just wondering if you had or have any issues with your expanders and alloderm. I still have some kind of bruising or something below my right expander....where the alloderm is supposedly. Doc's don't seem concerned, but I am. What's your thoughts?

    Once Again .. You WARRIORS - Rock! Personal
    issue posted, and wonderful "sound" advice given. YOU girls ROCK! C.C. in awe of you, and your committment to our site. I bow to you, dear Friend. Happy to have you in my life.


    Strength and Courage to all.

    Vicki Sam
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #14
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    cahjah75 said:

    Monica
    I had double mastectomy but no expanders. My red blood cell count only went down a little to borderline anemic. Most likely it's the chemo but ask your dr.
    {{hugs}} Char

    Hoping you can get your
    Hoping you can get your blood count up quickly.

    Hugs, Angie
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #15
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    CypressCynthia said:

    Chemo Induced Anemia
    Chemotherapy causes suppression of bone marrow (where red blood cells are made) that may result in anemia.

    And sometimes, no matter what you do, you may need a transfusion or an ESA (erythropoietic stimulating agent) because of the chemo. But, hopefully with a multivitamin every day (no skipping a day), rest, plenty of fluids and a healthy diet (lots of dark green leafy lettuces or spinach and red meat-if you are not a vegetarian). The multivitamin is important, even if your iron level is normal, because other vitamins and minerals are also crucial to making red blood cells.

    Here is a link:

    Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia in Cancer Patients

    And below is some info from the Mayo Clinic re diet and anemia:

    "Many types of anemia can't be prevented. However, you can help avoid iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemias by eating a healthy, varied diet, including:

    ■Iron. The best sources of iron are beef and other meats. Other foods rich in iron include beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruit, peanut butter and nuts.
    ■Folate. This nutrient, and its synthetic form, folic acid, can be found in citrus juices and fruits, bananas, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes and fortified breads, cereals and pasta.
    ■Vitamin B-12. This vitamin is plentiful in meat and dairy products.
    ■Vitamin C. Foods containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, melons and berries, help increase iron absorption.
    Eating plenty of iron-containing foods is particularly important for people who have high iron requirements, such as children — iron is needed during growth spurts — and pregnant and menstruating women. Adequate iron intake is also crucial for infants, strict vegetarians and long-distance runners."
    From:
    Anemia and Diet from the Mayo Clinic

    Bringing this post forward
    Bringing this post forward to help.
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    #16
    Options
    VickiSam said:

    Once Again .. You WARRIORS - Rock! Personal
    issue posted, and wonderful "sound" advice given. YOU girls ROCK! C.C. in awe of you, and your committment to our site. I bow to you, dear Friend. Happy to have you in my life.


    Strength and Courage to all.

    Vicki Sam

    Are you not getting your
    Are you not getting your Nulasta shot? I had to get one right after chemo everytime to build the red count back up.
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #17
    Options
    CypressCynthia said:

    Chemo Induced Anemia
    Chemotherapy causes suppression of bone marrow (where red blood cells are made) that may result in anemia.

    And sometimes, no matter what you do, you may need a transfusion or an ESA (erythropoietic stimulating agent) because of the chemo. But, hopefully with a multivitamin every day (no skipping a day), rest, plenty of fluids and a healthy diet (lots of dark green leafy lettuces or spinach and red meat-if you are not a vegetarian). The multivitamin is important, even if your iron level is normal, because other vitamins and minerals are also crucial to making red blood cells.

    Here is a link:

    Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia in Cancer Patients

    And below is some info from the Mayo Clinic re diet and anemia:

    "Many types of anemia can't be prevented. However, you can help avoid iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemias by eating a healthy, varied diet, including:

    ■Iron. The best sources of iron are beef and other meats. Other foods rich in iron include beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruit, peanut butter and nuts.
    ■Folate. This nutrient, and its synthetic form, folic acid, can be found in citrus juices and fruits, bananas, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes and fortified breads, cereals and pasta.
    ■Vitamin B-12. This vitamin is plentiful in meat and dairy products.
    ■Vitamin C. Foods containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, melons and berries, help increase iron absorption.
    Eating plenty of iron-containing foods is particularly important for people who have high iron requirements, such as children — iron is needed during growth spurts — and pregnant and menstruating women. Adequate iron intake is also crucial for infants, strict vegetarians and long-distance runners."
    From:
    Anemia and Diet from the Mayo Clinic

    Thank you again Cynthia for
    Thank you again Cynthia for this link and great information.


    Angie

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