Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
lynette
MemberPatti,
If my MIL had the exact symptoms, I would request a CT of the head. As you said, what to do w/ abnornmal results is another question, but at least you will know. Also, if it is negative, it would point to the tired heart as the main problem.
You MIL is so fortunate to have you caring for her!
LynetteMemberPatti,
It is very true that the heart can wear out from years of anemia. It attempts to compensate for the lower hemoglobin, and therefore lower levels of oxygen. There are medications that would allow the heart’s workload to be reduced. These meds usually lower BP as well, so they might be helpful for your MIL.
How are her platelets? I don’t want to open pandora’s box, but any chance that her platelets are low enough to cause spontaneous bleeding? I ask only because if there is a cerebral bleed, this increases the pressure in the cranium. One early sign is an increase in systolic BP.. Has her level of orientation changed or do you notice any change is her pupil size? Sorry for yet another worry, but these are possibilites.
My thoughts and prayers are w/ you.
LynetteMemberDear Patty,
I’m sorry to hear that your MIL is not feeling well. From all of your postings, it sounds as if you have taken wonderful care of her.
I am not a physician, but I have many years of experience as a cardiac nurse. Something is wrong w/ your MIL. The question is does she want intervention? Blood pressure does change throughout the day, it also varies with positional body changes–but not to the degree that your MIL is experiencing. Additionally, there is one fact that is very disturbing—the large difference between the systloic and diastolic numbers. We should not see more than 30, anything more usually indicates a problem–it could be anything from a problem w/ arteries to a build up of pressure within the brain. If your MIL wants intervention, now is the time to call a cardiologist. There are non-invasive tests(echocardiogram) that might be helpful.
Regarding heart failure. The treatment and diagnosis of HF has changed a great deal over the past 20 years. We once believed that everyone had Congestive Heart Failure(CHF). Now the thinking is that people have HF, but not everyone has CHF. CHF is the more acute phase meaning that there is fluid in the lungs.
Left HF gives more lung sx. SOB, cough, fluid in the lungs. Right HF has more systemic signs: fluid in the abdomen, bulging neck veins,etc.
Most people will eventually have signs of both.
This must be very difficult for you and your family. These decisions are never easy.
regards,
LynetteMemberHi Cheryl,
My Mom is on Trisenox, ARA-C, and Ascorbic Acid as part of a clinical study at New York Presbyterian. She achieved remission after two cycles. Presently, she in on maintenance which is 7 days of ARA-C and two days of Arsenic and Vitamin C. She feel very well, and has few side effects. She does feel very fatigued during the treatments. However, on the off weeks, she feels well. She did experience numbness and tingling in her fingers and toes from the Arsenic.
LynetteMemberHi Mildred,
I’m not sure if I’m answering your question–but I will try to explain what I believe you are asking.
A medication that is a platelet inhibitor, prevents the aggregation or clumping of platelets as you said. However,just because something is a platelet aggregation inhibitor doesn’t give it the ability to increase the number of platelets. Rather, these substances prevent clumps of platelets from clogging blood vessels. They do not affect the overall count.
I have no idea if bromealian is an anticoagulant. Typically, most if not all anticoagulants do not raise platelet counts.
LynetteMemberSascha,
Has your aunt been given a diagnosis? Fevers are very common with almost all bone marrow disorders, particularly the acute ones. Usually, fever alone indicates infection. However, the fever in conjunction with a falling hemoglobin might indicate a bone marrow disorder.
LynetteMemberPierre,
I’m sorry to hear about your mom. I was in the same situation 7 months ago. Twenty years of experience as nurse did not prepare me for the feeling of despair when I heard of my Mom’s diagnosis. The World Health Organization and CDC have redefined AML as anything over 20% blasts. Some doctors still use the old criteria of 30%(in the bone marrow).
Regarding your question of the doctors objectivity. I did not experience any feeling of pressure from the doctors. Rather, pros and cons were explained to us in a clear concise manner. They were very supportive .
My Mom is one of the patients on the Arsenic and ARA-C trial. You are correct to note that both the traditional induction and consolidation chemo and the Arsenic/ ARA-C protocol have no significant differences in rate of remission and/or duration of remission.
Given those stats, we chose the less toxic chemo. My Mom, 74 yrs, had no other health problems. Her heart, lungs, and kidneys were disease free, except for normal aging. However, the stronger chemo had more risk to damage these organs.
Thankfully, mom is in remission. We do not know how long it will last. However, she is very happy that she chose to try the protocol.
Good luck in your decision.
LynetteMemberHi Lynne,
I did not remember Procrit causing liver inflammation. So–I researched all of my Nursing medication texts. I could not find liver inflammation anywhere. Did your doctor tell you that your liver enzymes were elevated….ie. AST/ALT? Or –did he tell you that a blood test for inflammation was elevated. A test named CRP is a marker for system inflammation–but could reflect anywhere in the body.
Are you on other meds which might effect the liver. Many drugs will scuh as meds for high cholesterol.
LynetteMemberHi Fran,
I saw that Jim’s Hgb is 12. Is he on Procrit? It might help the fatigue/anemia. I’m not sure if this is a problem for you, but Procrit is covered by Medicare if given in an MD’s office.
My Mom felt great when she was on it.
LynetteMemberEsme,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
LynetteMemberHi Janice,
Glad to hear that Dad is “hanging in there.”
It is not uncommon for counts to continue to drop for up to 10 days following Chemo. the counts should reach something called “nadir” which is the lowest point counts will go before they start heading up. In fact, ARA-C can cause this effect for up to 2 weeks.
Did your Dad try warm compresses for the arm? They can be helpful.
One last thought, antibiotics can also affect blood counts—
Sending you positive thoughts and prayers,
LynetteMemberI’m so sorry for you and your Dad. Take comfort in the fact that you have been a comfort to him. This is a blessing.
Praying for you
LynetteMemberJanice,
Tell Dad to keep his spirits up. PICC lines can become infected so easily. It is the #1 complication. Since his counts are low, it is best to start IV antibiotics. The elevation in liver enzymes is expected w/ ARA-C. The degree to which they are elevated is most likely the concern. ARA-C is known to be hepatotoxic, but this is usually reversed once the drug is discontinued.
I’m hoping for good news w/ his BMB.
LynetteMemberHi Mildred,
My Mom is a patient at NYP presently taking part in a clinical trial with ARA-C and Trisenox(arsenic). She went into remission with 2 cycles(total 4 weeks in weeks in hospital). She is now on maintenance. This involves one week of outpatient medication, and 3-4 weeks off.
My Mom had 40% blasts when she started, and it helped her. She’s 74, but no other medical problems.
Prednisone may affect platelets, but long term- has many unfavorable side effects.
Get all the facts so that you are able to make an informed decision.
LynetteMemberHi
Many types of Chemo can lower platelets. At times, the levels are dangerously low. Rarely, a condition can occur called DIC where the body uses up it’s clotting factors. Do you know if the docs have checked your FIL’s clotting times?(the time it takes for blood to clot)
Another thought, if he does have an intestinal bleed, the Chemo might make it worse because of the lowered platelets.
Has his doc consulted a surgical oncologist?
I hope this problem resolves soon.
Lynette -
AuthorPosts
