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Old 11-13-2012, 07:29 AM   #1
meo
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Need help-hemo dropped and trial postponed

Just got back from MD Anderson last night where my labs showed my hemo dropped to 9.4 (pre treatment it was 13, post (finished September) it was 10.3 and slowly rising) and the trial requires at least a 10 or higher. The HER2 vaccine trial must be done within a 6 month window after completion of treatment, so I have until March.

Has anyone's values dropped? and can they rise in time? What have you done to increase them?

My onco is useless so I will be heading to my GP at first possible chance. Is there anything I shouldn't do or take as a cancer patient?

Upon hearing the news and traveling back to Florida, this is the most anxious I've been since diagnosis. Didn't realize how badly I wanted this trial.

Greatly appreciate any help!
Mary
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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
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11/2012 anemic
12/2012 began MDAnderson clinical trial
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Old 11-13-2012, 10:36 AM   #2
'lizbeth
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Re: Need help-hemo dropped and trial postponed

Meo,

That is unexpected. Are you having symptoms? Paleness, Fatigue, shortness of breath? Do you have dark or bloody stool?

Absolutely shocked that your oncologist didn't jump right on this. Hope your GP takes good care in finding the cause.

Anemia can be caused in different ways. Productions issues can be due to deficiencies such as iron, or enzymes in the heme pathway. Hemoglobin can be destroyed in the body or you can have an actual blood loss such as an ulcer.

I hope you find out what is going on soon and it is only a minor setback.
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Diagnosed 2007
Stage IIb Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Pagets, 3 of 15 positive nodes

Traditional Treatment: Mastectomy and Axillary Node Dissection followed by Taxotere, 6 treatments and 1 year of Herceptin, no radiation
Former Chemo Ninja "Takizi Zukuchiri"

Additional treatments:
GP2 vaccine, San Antonio Med Ctr
Prescriptive Exercise for Cancer Patients
ENERGY Study, UCSD La Jolla

Reconstruction: TRAM flap, partial loss, Revision

The content of my posts are meant for informational purposes only. The medical information is intended for general information only and should not be used in any way to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease
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Old 11-13-2012, 12:01 PM   #3
Ellie F
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Re: Need help-hemo dropped and trial postponed

Hi Meo
Elizabeth has given you good advice. A blood test would be able to confirm the particular type of anaemia and what you need to do to improve it. Meanwhile make sure your diet is high in iron rich foods each day as it does take a while to rise . I notice you have just finished herceptin. In some cases my onc reports that anaemia and low platelets can be a side effect.

I'm sure this is only a temporary setback. Please let us know.
Ellie
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Old 11-14-2012, 04:41 PM   #4
meo
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Re: Need help-hemo dropped and trial postponed

Thanks Ellie and 'lizabeth. I am glad to hear it might be a side effect of Herceptin and not some other problem. And hope it can be resolved quickly. My appointment is on Friday. And yes, I am looking for a new onco, now that I am finished with treatment.
__________________
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!
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Old 11-14-2012, 09:26 PM   #5
NanaJoni
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Re: Need help-hemo dropped and trial postponed

Meo - I developed a pernicious (or macrocytic) anemia during chemo. I'll be taking Vit. B12 injections once a month now for life but it's no big deal. And I feel fine now. So be sure they check your B12 levels - it's a separate test. Good luck.
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Old 11-15-2012, 02:13 PM   #6
meo
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Re: Need help-hemo dropped and trial postponed

Did the shots help? How long did it take for your levels to recuperate?
Has anyone heard their heartbeat in their ears? I read that is a sign also of anemia.

So glad I posted to this forum, looks like a few of us developed this type of anemia, and the help you all have given has prepared me for the visit with my GP tomorrow. B-12 test is a good idea.

My onco is the type that gets you through treatment and tells you "You'll be fine".
__________________
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!
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Old 11-15-2012, 06:21 PM   #7
'lizbeth
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Re: Need help-hemo dropped and trial postponed

Oh duh, I forgot about b12. Good advice. I had received B12 shots for neuropathy. Good stuff.
__________________
Diagnosed 2007
Stage IIb Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Pagets, 3 of 15 positive nodes

Traditional Treatment: Mastectomy and Axillary Node Dissection followed by Taxotere, 6 treatments and 1 year of Herceptin, no radiation
Former Chemo Ninja "Takizi Zukuchiri"

Additional treatments:
GP2 vaccine, San Antonio Med Ctr
Prescriptive Exercise for Cancer Patients
ENERGY Study, UCSD La Jolla

Reconstruction: TRAM flap, partial loss, Revision

The content of my posts are meant for informational purposes only. The medical information is intended for general information only and should not be used in any way to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease
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Old 11-15-2012, 06:41 PM   #8
ElaineM
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Wink Re: Need help-hemo dropped and trial postponed

Eat food with iron. Remember vitamin c helps the body to absorb iron, so you may want to include foods with vitamin c at the same time you eat food with iron. Iron helps to keep hemoglobin stable.
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