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Need help re: ferritin
Hi,
Just discovered this topic by doing a Search on ferritin. I've been on Herceptin since 1/06. In March my hematocrit and hemoglobin began dropping. In July the hct was 29, hgb 9.9, and MCV 71. Onc made me skip Aug Herceptin tx as he was convinced it was due to Herceptin and advised me to take 3 ferrous gluconate tabs (324 mg) daily plus Vit C 1500 mg.
Sept labs improved to hct 38% (range 34 - 46), hmg 12.2% (1.5 - 15), MCV 79 (80-100) and I resumed Herceptin. At the same time he finally ordered iron studies and the ferritin level was 17 (range of 22-291 normal). I'm also low in Vitamin D. My diet is average but not too much red meat & I don't like fish. I do eat veggies and fruit.
He put in a referral to gastroenterologist to check the GI tract. Still waiting for appt after 2 weeks. Onc seems to think iron pills will solve everything and he's not the least bit interested in Vit D. I'm worried that taking 3 times normal dosage to get better results for anemia/ferritin is only masking a more serious problem. Now taking 1200 mg daily calcium and 1000-1200 Vit D.
If anyone has info on how best to proceed (what tests to ask for), please pass along. No other symptoms except constipation from iron pills. I don't want to push onc too hard as he might cancel Herceptin again. Or am I just overreacting to blood work. Interestingly, my labs were better all through A/C. Thanks so much for your input. I need some shoulders to lean on!
G. Ann - 60 years
Dx 2/04, mastectomy, 4 A/C txs only
Her2+++, stage 2 invasive ductal, grade 3 tumor, 0/18 nodes
16 mos delay for Herceptin
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