Transfusions and low counts

[bebra]

I would like to know how some of you keep your count in the 10-14 range. I've beeen on procrit for 9 months and I'm in the 8.0 and lower range. The only time it got into the 9's was after a transfusion and that was only good for 2-3 weeks. So far I've had 20 units and hopefully need only one more. My oncologist is concerned because now I'm in iron overload. I'm really glad that this will be over soon. After last transfusion count was 9.4, that was 2 weeks ago. One week later it was at 8.1, I'm scheduled for another trensfusion on friday,it will probably be at 7.6. AMA guidelines say I have to wait till it goes below 8. to be transfused. I've worked through the entire process and its been difficult,especially since I am a landscaper.

[JodyLynn]

I do feel really bad and weak, sometimes it's even hard to walk across the room. Thank you very much bebra, i will get the #'s first thing monday morning

[bebra]

3 months into my treatment my hemo was 8.5, they started me on procrit to bring it up. 2 weeks later I was in the hospital with a hemo count of 6.4, thats when the transfusions started. I still continued to get procrit at the max. dose once a week. If I were you I would get a copy of your labs from the dr. Ask him to explain the #'s, if he doesn't, check back here or go on line and research it. You will get to know how your feeling and match it up with the #'s, then you will know if you are in trouble and can head it off before a hospital visit (which is no fun).

[JodyLynn]

So the procrit is what they will try first? My count has been low for months, sometimes they call me in twice a week for blood work. Doctor hasnt said anything about procrit so far, he just says its  really low....dont ask me how low cause i dont know, he just says low.

[bebra]

I guestamated at my count for my transfusion, even I was off, it went down to 7.4 and was at 7.2 when they transfused. They said I,ve gone 48 weeks on treatment and they are stopping it. I just have to wait now for the labs to come back. Dr. also told me this was my last chance at this treatment, even if they didn't get it all, there will be no more, I'm too high risk. Its really disheartening to think that if its still there and they stopped it early, I went through all this for nothing.

[cruelworld]

i would assume that given your low hemo a lot of physical labor makes it much worse.
if you have a chance or a choice, try to do nothing for two weeks and see if that helps.
all of that you describe sounds dangerous and hard on your body, be careful.