Concerned about CBC

[sarah]

Yesterday Charlie had his 8 week appointment with hemo. His platelets are 11, Hgb 9, wbc 5.3, anc 2.3. Dr sent him home no platelets transfusion. He continues to work, its not easy. Has ordered for end of month cat scan and BMB. He is concerned about his weight loss. So very worried. Thinking of everyone on forum.

[Neil]

Hi Sarah,
Am betting Charlie does not have any symptoms of low platelets. Bruising, bleeding, petechiae. Sometimes bleeding gums.
If he does not have such symptoms a platelet tx would not really be advisable.
A patient with low platelets can only have “X” number of platelet tx before they become refractory to transfused platelets. When a platelet tx is necessary, be sure they use irradiated platelets and single donor platelets. This will reduce the potential for antibodies from stray white cells and extend the time platelet tx will be effective.
Low dose prednisone might help if symptoms appear,
Remember there are cells in tones tissues and blood vessel linig that are present but not counted. Steriods tend to release them into the blood stream where the are counted and tend to increase counts.
There are some of us that can get by with low platelets ( in the 10,000 range) while some others have problems in the 75,000 range.
If they get very low, have them counted manually before getting a tx. The equipment used to measure them is not all that accurate when that low. If they run the same sample more than once, they will probably get different results.
Have been getting along with a platelet level of 10,000 for several years. Can be trying but so far I have been able to get by without too many problems. If Charlie does not have any symptoms and feels well, he has a lot going for him.
Get very close to his hemo. Ask questions. Ask why no platelet tx. Make sure you both understand what is going on.
It is very important to keep his blasts from increasing and from getting into his peripheral blood. Would ask the doc how that might be approached.
If he is a candidate for a SCT there is good reason to avoid transfusions.
Neil

[Terri]

Hi Sarah, I hope Charlie counts start coming back, How come the Hemo isn’t doing any treatments. Have you considered vitamins and supplements to help boost the Counts, Bob is MDS RAEB-t and I really think all of the supplements he takes to boost the immune system help as well as the Vitamins, he takes b12 and a b complex and His hgb is hanging in there even with the Vidaza they never go under 10. He was 11.8 last week before the vidaza round. Saw the dr yesterday we are still continuing every 6 wks vidaza, weekly procrit and cbc and he has us seeing him once ev three months now unless something comes up.
What about the other drug out there it starts with an A arnesp or something like that its every two weeks sort of like procrit but is supposed to help the Hgb.
I continue to pray for Charlie and Hope things get better.

[shirlsgirl]

Hi Sarah,

I’m sorry about Charlie’s counts…how’s he feeling? Did his doc. mention what they are looking for with the CAT scan? Hope things get better…and hope he is able to gain some weight. Neil and Terri have some good advice. Hang in there.

Thinking of you two,

Jody

[sarah]

Thanks everyone for your concern, its been about one year since Charlie had a BMB, the CAT scan is to check organs for ruling out any other type of cancer. Dr says anyone over 50 who loses weight this fast there is a reason behind it. He has lost 78 lbs. Terri , he is taking vitamins and supplements. Thank you for suggesting. He is very tired most of the time, but continues to work daily on a part time schedule. Neil, as always your advice is so very helpful, thanks.
Sarah

[Terri]

Sarah My prayers are with you both.

[Author]

Posts