this is old news reconfirmed:procrit decreases survival

[al from Canada]

Procrit is great stuff but just like anything else, it has its problems.
Al
http://physicians.womgi.com/cancernews.aspx?section=cancernews&id=34889

[Lolly]

I've seen this info before thanks to you, Al. It's made me very aware of the pitfalls of using Arenesp, which is what I'm given at my clinic when my hemaglobin drops too low. My onc has been ordering injections only every other week, just enough to improve QOL and prevent me from having to have a transfusion. My levels hover around 9 while on chemo, then rise to barely normal in between. But it's enough that I have decent energy and my frame of mind is good, so such is life in the slow lane :)

<3 Lolly

[AlaskaAngel]

Well, I refused any neupogen or other support during chemo... but... ended up doing 6 treatments spread out with FOUR weeks instead of three in-between every single treatment... (not exactly benefitting from the dose-dense idea)...

*sigh*

A.A.

P.S. So maybe I was one of those who was NED from the getgo....

[Sandy H]

I am fortunate not to have needed any of these shots. One week my physician wanted to give me one because it was low but not enough to stop chemo. I refused for this reason. The less drugs I have to put into my body the better I will be. Too many side effects. Even though chemo will stall my cancer I know it will be the culprit that will kill me in the end. Such is life of which we have no control. hugs, Sandy

[Becky]

I refused Procrit because of this reason. Read the flyer on it before I was supposed to get it and then refused. (Probably one of the reasons my first onco and I started the massive slide downhill that ended in the termination of our relationship 5 months ago). Oh well, we all have to live by our decisions.


Becky