Ok, this is an easy one...
Usually, the core problem is low platelets. Cancer patients get a double whammy of this because many of us at some time in our treatment have taken platelet depleting chemo's. If your platelets are below 300, you will bleed easily, profusely, and could have a life - threatening internal hemorrage, are susceptible to brain bleeds and will bruise a lot, in general.
Fortunately, low platelet count is one of the easiest and safest blood problems to correct. At its core, it is caused by magnesium depletion. One of the roles of the platelets is to supply the ATP energy with one molecule of magnesium needed for each unit. ATP is the cellular currency of life, the life force or energy spark that makes cellular respiration and all cellular work possible. It is ubiquitous throughout the body. Usually chemos, especially the carboplatins and cisplatins, work by knocking out magnesium, which is a shame as most her-2 folks are already magnesium deficient long before they are ever diagnosed. Best remedy is to eat more magnesium -rich foods such as whole grains, nuts, cocoa, etc. PURE magnesium supplementation, especially magnesium orotate or magnesium with horsetail, will often resolve the platelets and thus, stop the dangerous bleeding. Also, keep in mind, if you are menustrating, your blood will naturally be thinner just before your period starts and if you are having herceptin on that day, you may just naturally bleed more. Also, remember certain tumor markers, especially the CA 125, will also be naturally elevated the week just prior to your period, so if they take your counts and they come back high that one week, don't freak out. The main thing to watch out for with any tumor markers is steady or rapid continued INCREASE over time. Likewise, steady dropping of markers over time is a good indication that your treatment is proceeding in the direction you want it to go.
Good luck to you,
Gina
|