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  It didn't occur to me, but of course a low blood count is going to make me feel withdrawn and lethargic.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

[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