Blood Transfusion in Morning-Kinda Scared

[Jan214]

I know that some of you are old hats at blood transfusions, but I am having my first one in the morning.  My hemoglobin is 7.5 and apparently 12-16 is normal.  They told me I would be able to come home tomorrow night if everything goes well.  I have been so tired, and so weak that all I can do is go from the couch to the bathroom and back.  Everytime I get up I feel dizzy and weak.  I've been stupid.  I don't have my bloodwork done every week, but I won't be skipping anymore of those.  

I do have an irrational fear of getting a transfusion because I have always felt that once you start going down the transfusion road with cancer, it isn't long before you die.  I know that is stupid, but this cancer is just really starting to p*ss me off because it is starting to make me feel afraid and I don't fricking like that AT ALL.

Sorry to be babbling, but my brain isn't working well.  I guess I am just looking for some reassurance that doing this will make me feel 100% better & that I won't catch some really heinous disease from the blood. I would also like to hear how you felt and how you reacted to your transfusions.

I really miss you all, and if this works I will be back on more and I can't wait for that!!!  It didn't occur to me, but of course a low blood count is going to make me feel withdrawn and lethargic. Well, it would be nice to be able to blame it on the blood instead of depression.

Love
Jan

[JC145]

Glad you are feeling better.  Good luck next week.  Judy

[ireneo]

I've been watching for the news. I can think of better ways to use that energy than cleaning the bathroom :-p  You're so funny. Just glad it's over and you have a couple days to yourself again. Tomorrow is Super Bowl. Gotta see all those ridiculous commercials. Have fun.

[justscore]

So glad you are home and feeling better!  Eat and rest and feel even more better!!!!

Heidi

[Jan214]

Well, I am home. I got out of the hospital last night about midnight.  It takes a long time to infuse that stuff, but you all were right; I feel like a new person...sort of.
They got two bags in and my hemocrit # got up to 27. I don't know what it was before that. They only told me that my hemoglobin was 7.5 instead of 12-16 so I didn't know about my hemocrit #.  Anyway, they had to give me another bag because apparently "normal" is 36 but they will let you go if it is over 30.  They got the 3rd bag in and it went up to 30.1.   As I said, I do feel better, but I am still weak and tired from 4 months of being weak and tired. My brain is working again though, and I can actually do stuff. I never thought I would be so thrilled to clean a bathroom!  I also ate more food yesterday than I have eaten in the last 3 weeks. When they weighed me in I only weighed 102 lbs and that is way to small, even for me.
Well, lots to do before chemo again on Tues. This place is a mess.
You are all always so amazingly supportive no matter what is going on in your own lives & I appreciate that.
Jan

[Tybear]

Hey Jan...
I know that your feeling so tired and worn right now but I'm sure after this transfusion, you'll be feeling much better. I almost came close too and I remember how tired I was...it was hard to hold my own head up! Just look forward to getting some strength back...we'll all keep you in our thoughts tomorrow :)

Love ya,
Becky

[dian07]

Hey there, kid.....so sorry you are having to go through all of this.  I really hope this transfusion does the trick for you so you can continue kicking this disease back to the stone ages.  I do think about you often and hope things are looking up for you.  Hang in there and know there are so many of us out here wishing for only the best for you.
Peace.
dian

[jane65]

Hi Jan,
My husband donated blood several time a year and he has a bunch of really cute blood- donor themed  T shirts, the Florida blood bank gave the donors. They screened his blood, to make sure he was healthy, and sent him a report a week or so afterward with info. as if you went for a complete blood test, I'm assuming every donor gets that report.
Have you spoken to your oncologist about Aranesp shots to stimulate the bone marrow? That's what I get when my hemaglobin drops after chemo, it was a long hard fight with the ins co. but my oncologist was insistent and we finally prevailed.
Good luck, and from all the ladies replies, it's definitely a total positive, and I love Irene's description of "Jazz Juice".  Jane

[cirella]

Jan!  Goodness...I'm just now reading this.  You are probably well into your transfusion already.  I hope all goes well and you feel SO much better when it's over.  

Love you and I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner.

[ireneo]

I can't seem to think of anything else to add. The women who have been through it and got the jazz juice know how beneficial it is. I'll be thinking of you and imagining you dancing out of the hospital when they're done. Happy hemoglobin to you.

Irene

[kmccarthy]

Jan, I am so sorry for you to have to go through this. I just saw your post and it is likely you are there now having the transfusion. I am praying for you.

I mentioned yesterday on another post -- and I realize how simple this sounds -- that my doctor had me on daily protein shakes to keep my blood counts up. They stayed up but I don't know how much of it was attributed to the shakes. I bought Optimum Nutrition protein powder and had one shake daily. It may be worth asking your doctor about.

Kelly

[Cindy809]

I hope everything goes well for you today!  I've had so many units of blood.  You will feel much better.  I enjoy your postings and look forward to your return.  Let us know how it goes....Blessings and prayers....Cindy

[lvfrogs]

Jan,
I am hoping your blood transfusion will go great. I can understand your fears but I do think your low levels are causing you to have these thoughts! It is like a vicious circle. Hope to hear that you feel much better!! Hugs, Colleen

[Jan214]

Thank you all so much. Marty, you are so funny and it was just what I needed.

I had blood transfusions for 3 days in 1981 after my oldest daughter was born and it made all the difference in the world. They really mean it when they say "your life's blood".  Without it you feel like you weigh no more than a piece of paper. Six years after her birth I got a letter telling me to get an AIDS test because they hadn't been screening for that in 1981. They have known about AIDS since the mid 70's.  I know it isn't like that anymore and they are really careful.  I think the fear comes not so much from the blood supply as the actual need to have it.

I have always said that even though I have had to be on chemo for 2 1/2 yrs without a break, and in spite of the constant heaving, I have been lucky because I haven't had any blood problems like so many of you have. It is just one more thing that isn't in the "plus" column anymore if that makes sense.

Cory is rushing me and I can't rush so I better get moving, but thank you all so much for all of your reassurance and kind words. I am SO grateful that you are all always here for me no matter how long I am away from here.

Love you all,
Jan

[marie3B]

After reading all this now I want some blood too!!  My hemogloboin is too low too and I have to take so much iron it messes with my already half-blocked bowels.  I hope the blood makes you feel good again Jan.  I know the feeling of being so drained.  I feel like I am not up to dealing with anything (except the baby) and I am not even on any chemo now.  I am always saying it would be nice to see some of my friends, then when someone does stop by or call I don't even feel like I can handle it. I am always anxious for the mailman to bring me the mail.  Then I get the mail and feel overwhelmed that I have extra paper to deal with.  Am I sounding crazy??  Anyway, I am thinking of you and hope you get re-charged.  Love, Marie

[doicat]

This is one thing I can give advice about to you instead of you calming me through my whimpy fears..I had blood transfusions after my surgery...I was NOT rebounding after the surgery and the blood was like fairy dust and magic juju juice.  Before, I felt like Cr*p, after became a human being again.  There is Nothing like new blood, we can't create it.  So, instead of getting some poison pumped into you, like CHEMO!, you will be getting Gods healing blood.  Take it and let its healing power do like Marty said...it will kick some butt!  Take care and relax...this is a GOOD thing going into your body for a change.  You deserve it!
Love you
Teresa

[yrrek]

You will feel so much better, you will probably even notice it while you are being transfused.  I am an RN and have given blood to my patients, so it was good to see how it felt on the other side.  There are so many checks that must be done when blood is given, so rest assured that you will be fine.  Low H&H really has so many effects on the body, so get ready to feel like yourself again!!  Love, Kerry

[gma718]

I know I didnt have OVCA but when I had my hysterectomy and all the problems with it I did need quite a few blood transfusions...like around 6 i think...I also had to have 2 after the birth of my older daughter...after I delivered my daughter I felt so weak and had the worst heart palpatations...my level was 5....having such a low blood count makes you feel very anxious, nervous, dizzy, weak, tired, breathless, etc,,,please dont worry...I hope you stay calm...I didnt feel anything when it was being pumped into me...but I did feel better after receiving it...I was scared too...but when the Dr told me life or death I did it...Please feel good and you will see how much better it will make you feel...I'll be thinking of you...Love, Gia

[Kathleen78]

Jan,

I am a medical lab technologist and work in my hospitals blood bank.  I was given 3 units of blood this past summer.  So now I've been on both sides of a unit of blood.  There is very very little chance you will have any noticable reaction to the transfusion and a very very very tiny chance of you getting any disease from the unit itself.  As a blood banker, I can say with much confidence that we take our job very seriously and do everything in our power to protect the patient.  

As for my own transfusions, I felt nothing at all.  I do have to say that I did look at the unit to make sure it was the right blood type (sorry I couldn't help it!).  Afterwards, I did feel a lot better and had more energy to do things.  No more being breathless going up the stairs to my apartment.

Kathy

[Sandymac]

Jan, as you all know, I don't have cancer but did have a blood transfusion years ago with bleeding ulcer.. Lost half my blood volume..Piece of cake..  they kept sneaking in my hospital room with another pint or quart or whathaveyou.. I hardly knew they were doing it. That new blood with just start kicking A**!!!! You'll feel much better !

And , they screen it so well now.. So well, in fact, that I can't even donate blood anymore . I used to do it routinely when we lived in the Bahamas.. I'm "O" negative and it's very much in demand, but since I had Hepatitis "A" (not even the bad kind) back in the 70's, I'm not permitted to be a donor any more..

You'll do great and I'm looking forward to seeing your posts again !!

Take care,
Love,
Sandy

[SimplyStar]

Jan,  I can just hear those new blood cells talking to the old ones, HEY guys, its us, the new kids on the block, we have a job to do now, so lets get with it.  this gal needs some pep, lets show her what we can do!!!!   Lets show her what a little color in her cheeks looks like, I heard  from the blood bank, that this pint came from a guy like my hero, ROCKY,  that should put some of the old fight back in her.  Good luck hun and it is a trip you won't forget, almost better than a good shot of bourbon.   Marty

[justscore]

Get good and pissed and keep fighting!!!  I hope this gives you the boost you need/deserve!  You CAN do this!!!!!!!  

Hugs!

Heidi

[bohan54]

Didn't get one, but came very close.  Rebounded at the last minute but felt like shite.  Heard new blood gives a new lease on life, go for it!
S

[ShawnP]

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time of it, but, I can assure you that you will feel so much better after than transfusion.  You will be pleasantly surprised.  Better yet, it's a piece of cake, too.

Good luck tomorrow and keep us posted.

[ShawnP]

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time of it, but, I can assure you that you will feel so much better after than transfusion.  You will be pleasantly surprised.  Better yet, it's a piece of cake, too.

Good luck tomorrow and keep us posted.