transfusion

lindaprocopio said:

I had 2 transfusions during my chemo rounds.
I had to have 2 blood transfusions during my 6 chemo rounds, because my hemoglobin got too low a couple of times. I also had a problem with low platelets a number of times during the 4 months I was getting chemo, but that seemed to get better if I waited an extra week before my chemo, and so for each of the last 3 chemo rounds I ended up having to delay my infusion an extra 7 to 10 days. The blood transfusions are nothing to fear. I had mine in the same lounge chair that I got chemo in, and the staff and procedure was exactly like getting chemo, except for the red color coming down the tubing. And, unlike chemo, you feel GREAT after you get a blood transfusion, BETTER than before instead of worse. I sat with a small group of leukemia patients that had been getting DAILY blood transfusions, and referred to themselves as 'the vampires'. They made me feel very at ease, as an honarary vampire-for-the-day!

When your red counts are low, you want to be careful not to exert too much, or sit up or stand up quickly. You don't want to faint. That heart pounding will ease up a LOT after your transfusion. Be safe. HUGS!

Ro10 said:

Deanna sorry you are not feeling better
Sorry your shots do not seem to be doing the trick of raising your blood counts. Maybe you will need another blood transfusion if you still hear your heart beating in your ear. It does not sound like we will be able to do our long distance celebration on Wednesday.
Sounds like your last chemo treatment will be delayed a little longer.

I go into the hospital Tuesday at 6:00 am to get my internal radiation. They had not decided how long I would need the implant in when they talked to me last week, so I don't know how long I will be in the hospital. I will find out on Tuesday when I go in. Will be glad when this part is over with.

Take care of yourself. HUGS to you.

lindaprocopio said:

Ro & Deanna: thinking of you both today...
Deanna: I have to leave for my radiation very soon, but when I get home I want to do some research into those drugs you are taking now to build up your counts. That 'swollen like a tick' comment worries me a bit. I know I did some research on Procrit back when we were still all posting on the single long thread, and maybe a quick 'Search' on this discussion board will bring up that research. Just promise me that if any of that swelling has any symtoms of a blood clot (real pain, warm to the touch in the swollen area, more swelling on 1 leg than the other) you call your oncologist. I am so hoping that you can get your last chemo in this week and can begin to allow your body to recover. If you can't, see if you can perhaps get a blood transfusion as long as you are there. (Ar my clinic chemotherapy and hemotology were the same department.) I feel SOOOO much better and stronger now that my last chemo is 2 months behind me. ((((Deanna)))))

Ro: I hold you in my heart as you go into your internal radiation. I'm sure that I fear it more than you do, and my internal radiation is still 3 weeks away. You can do this, and I know that you are prepared mentally for this. But we will all be anxious until you get home and post from 'the other side' of that procedure. Please be sure and ask for the dilators if they don't offer them. I downloaded a tutorial on how to use them that I can email you if you need it. ((((((Ro))))))