Need help-hemo dropped and trial postponed

[meo]

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

['lizbeth]

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.

[Ellie F]

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

[meo]

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.

[NanaJoni]

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.

[meo]

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".

['lizbeth]

Oh duh, I forgot about b12. Good advice. I had received B12 shots for neuropathy. Good stuff.

[ElaineM]

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.