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Hi Shonda. Unfortunately I have battle anemia for a long time. In 2000 I was hospitalized with a severe case of anemia. I had passed out a few times, was extremely pale and had extremely low energy. My hemoglobin was at 6.6. They hospitalized me, gave me a two-pint blood transfusion and did every test they could (I was treated at Northwestern so I felt in good hands). Despite all the tests they put me through, they couldn't figure out why I had become so anemic. Crazy but two years later I was pregnant and never was considered anemic (I loved being pregnant.)
I was diagnosed with Stage IIIA breast cancer (er/pr-, her2+++) in 2005. I went through 4 AC treatments, 12 taxol & herceptin, 6 weeks radiation and a year of herceptin. I struggled with anemia during that entire time. I had two transfusions during my treatment. Since then I have had two iron infusions, have been on iron pills (which I despise) and am now taking Floravital, an iron and herb supplement that can be purchased at Whole Foods. Most of the time my hemoglobin ranges between 8-10. My oncologist was happy because on Wednesday I was up to 11.6, which is very high for me.
Transfusions have always been great for me because they have given me so much more energy, but I completely understand why you are hesitant. I am so sorry you had to go through all of that. I hope you have plenty of energy today!
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