Most Recent HGB is getting lower and had visit with Doc today

[dperry10]

Well makes sense why I felt so bad last thursday, my HGB for friday is 10.3.  Says after next test will be able to tell if he needs to order the Procrit for me.  I asked if maybe we should go ahead and do that, and he says to wait.  Hopefully it will level out.  Now I go for one more this week and then every 2 wks.  Says if PCR drops at least 2 nodes can continue on, otherwise will pull me from treatment.  I asked about uping or changing doses instead if that happens, and he says there are no studies that say that will help.  

I do not know what to do now.    I feel better today, and did go to work and was productive today.   I talked to him about time off from work, and he says to wait and see what happens.

[lab-rat]

I just wanted to share my experience with you, because it's somewhat similar and maybe it could help.  My hgb went down to 10.2 around week 6 (I believe), but it was back up to 11.9 two weeks later.  I felt a little tired, but I could still work and exercise, just not at quite the same intensity. The nurse suggested I eat red meat, so I did.  Also, I made sure to go to the gym every day. I'm not sure if that's what helped or not but it stabilized on its own, without any rescue meds (since I'm in a clinical trial I'm not allowed to have any).  Eat a steak! It's worth a shot.

[ladybug52]

Then I'm glad he's not my Dr. (Previous commetn about your dr being pretty mainstream) I went from 14 hemo to 10.1 and the dr didn't say lets wait till it drops a 1/10th and then I'll help you out. She siad, you are low enough, it takes the medicine a couple of weeks to work here's the script. At 10.3 there's not much difference than 10. Do what you feel comfortable with but don't take one good day as a sign you're going to feel better the rest of the week. Good luck
Bug

[sfbaygirl]

From your previous thread Thursday, I had a feeling your HGB was low. You have all the symptoms. I am glad you found out that you did drop! My GI wanted me to cut tx when my HGB dropped, but luckily I had a hemotologist in place and got a booster without having to cut my meds. Lot's of ins. co and dr's say you must wait until you are below 10 to get procrit. You are NOT in a critical stage, but when you have a huge drop like 4 pts. over a week or so, I know you have to feel like do-do. I think that drop in early tx was one of the worst sx I have felt. Mine has leveled out now and I  no longer need the rescue drugs. I just hate to see people on tx suffer, when many times there are ways to help you feel better.

[dperry10]

I am thinking now that since I feel so good today and yesterday that maybe my blood sugar was affecting my HGB.. is that Possible ?   I am diabetic and not having an appetite at times its hard to eat when you don't want.  I hate getting sick, and since the dental surgery, my gag reflexs are hard to keep in check sometimes. but have done well the last couple of days with eating, and got a good nights sleep again last nite.  So since I am going on friday again for my CBC, should know more by tuesday, and if its continuing to drop he will call me about the Procrit.  I already discussed that while in the office with him.  

If after getting next result and it did drop and he does NOT call me , then I will reconsider finding another doctor maybe.

[HCA]

You are a hysteric,causing consternation and alarm where none is needed.
By what divine methodology have you ascertained that dperry should have no faith in his/her doctor based on a few words of text.
Like all self-opiniated shouters you have overlaid and displaced your own case history onto your 'response'.
There is nothing in the dperry posts to justify your unhelpful rant,which could easily undermine a perfectly good doctor/patient relationship.
My own response (which you obviously didn't bother to read) covered the 2 log drop question.

[dperry10]

ok got it all printed out and will call doctor this morning. Thank you all for your input.  Will report to you this afternoon what the outcome of my call is.  Hope everyone has a great day..  I feel wonderful today..