HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post

meo · 11-14-2016, 01:34 PM

Dear SoCal,

I have a similar problem. Neither one of my oncs would give any credence to my loss of hair and fatigue and whining about just not feeling right. Took blood levels and said I wasn't anemic (although I was anemic previously, post chemo). The levels were low, 11-13 and pre chemo I had been in a much higher range. My PCP finally looked into it and ordered a TIBC, which showed my body was low on iron. I've been on prescription iron and the levels have increased, albeit slowly, from 9 to 55 and I feel so much better, and will likely stay on a lower dose for the duration as my iron drops without it. Had a colonoscopy, but they don't know why the levels drop. Personally I feel it is one of cancer's gifts, just as my osteopenia was (which calcium has resolved)
Infusion was mentioned, but thought I'd try the pills first as I'm prone to migraines. Ironically (pun intended), the pills have the opposite effect on my digestive system than most folks.
Hope you feel better!

11-14-2016, 01:34 PM	#19
meo Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 85	Re: No rant JUST the facts... Dear SoCal, I have a similar problem. Neither one of my oncs would give any credence to my loss of hair and fatigue and whining about just not feeling right. Took blood levels and said I wasn't anemic (although I was anemic previously, post chemo). The levels were low, 11-13 and pre chemo I had been in a much higher range. My PCP finally looked into it and ordered a TIBC, which showed my body was low on iron. I've been on prescription iron and the levels have increased, albeit slowly, from 9 to 55 and I feel so much better, and will likely stay on a lower dose for the duration as my iron drops without it. Had a colonoscopy, but they don't know why the levels drop. Personally I feel it is one of cancer's gifts, just as my osteopenia was (which calcium has resolved) Infusion was mentioned, but thought I'd try the pills first as I'm prone to migraines. Ironically (pun intended), the pills have the opposite effect on my digestive system than most folks. Hope you feel better! __________________ dx 7/2011 open incisional biopsy w/o clear margins IDC IIa Her2+++ ER-PR- Ki-67 72% changed doctors 9/2011 Rt breast mast w/expander Sentinel node neg scans clear 10/2011 port in 10/2011 began TCH 2/2012 last TC. Herceptin through 10/2012 severe osteopenia 7/2012 prophylatic left mast, node clear 11/2012 anemic 12/2012 began MDAnderson clinical trial 1/2013 implants in, port out!