Something I was wondering about blood work

15 years 9 months ago #18311 by momof4
Replied by momof4 on topic Something I was wondering about blood work
Julieann,

My husband hasn't had Chemo since Dec. His counts were always fine even during the chemo...he just started having issues eith it a month or so ago...he was transfused with 2 units of blood because his hemoglobin was 9.7. She also should have her B12, and iron checked...these 3 things or markers in particular can cause a person to be tired, and can put her a risk for infections...it is really not a big deal to be checked...just make sure when they do her blood work that they do a complete metobolic profile...it will give all the readings that should be monitored. If she has any of the issues I meantioned, she can be given a transfusion, (even a relative with the same blood type can donate it), she can be given a B12 shot, or iron suppliments...explain to her that this may be why she is tired...I cannot believe what a difference in my husbands energy levels after a transfusion...It is like getting an adrenaline shot...Explain to her too that blood is checked so thouroughly now that the risks of getting something from a transfusion are minimal...they will also give benadryl to avoid any allergic reactions...

As I said before, if she is seeking quality with what time she has left, she should still be seeing a Dr. to address any of these issues that can come up...

Whatever it takes for quality should be the ultimate goal here...

If you want her to talk to someone I am here...I can be very convincing...Bloodwork for a "Look See" is my best advice...and she doesn't need a urologist, or oncologist to get it...just a nurse and a lab...just regular good old bloodwork from her primary Dr...not a big deal...she may even be able to avoid going back to the other Dr if she is being monitored close to home...

Warmly,
Karen

Caregiver for my Wonderful Husband Angelo, who has Metastatic Bladder Cancer.

Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

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15 years 9 months ago #18310 by julieann
Replied by julieann on topic Something I was wondering about blood work
Thanks Karen. Your advice is great as always. So far she only gets bloodwork at her 3 month check with the oncologist. I, like you, feel that is not often enough. She had that issue with her sodium and then they just turned her loose for three months??? It is hard to tell her much however because she is "doing just fine." When you say her counts shouldn't get below 10, what counts exactly do you mean? I know that chemo messes with blood count but does the cancer itself?

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15 years 9 months ago #18307 by momof4
Replied by momof4 on topic Something I was wondering about blood work
Julieann,

Is your mother still seing a general practicioner? Even though she is not going for further treatment she should still be getting bloodwork done...there are alot of other things besides cancer to watch for...such as low blood counts, infection etc...

I told my husband a long time ago that if I could help it..the only thing that was going to kill him was the cancer since that is incurable...But I can protect him from infection, make sure his blood counts are good, keep him fed and hydrated, make sure he gets exercise, that he doesn't sink into a deep depression, his blood pressure is in check, as well as his blood sugar...etc...

In my opinion, it would really be aweful if one of these other issues caused his death...I know that anything can happen, but even with a terminal illness you have to be proactive...He even stopped taking his vitamins because they were too hard to swallow, so I give him the kids flintstones vitamins...I figure it is better than nothing...

I would make sure that she gets her blood checked at least every two weeks...my husband has a nurse come to the house to do it...It is not uncommon for a blood transfusion to be needed if her counts go below 10 (insurance won't pay unless it is under 10 anyway) This could be one of the reasons she is tired? These things are not considered "treatment".

You and your family are in my daily prayers,
Karen

Caregiver for my Wonderful Husband Angelo, who has Metastatic Bladder Cancer.

Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

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15 years 9 months ago #18304 by julieann
Replied by julieann on topic Something I was wondering about blood work
Thanks Joe. That was very interesting. I'm doubting the doctor will be very forthcoming about whether he believes there is a problem. He is basically just waiting for the pain to begin I believe. So far, all I see is that she is slightly weaker but if anything is causing her pain, she is hiding it very well.

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15 years 9 months ago #18302 by fearandfight
Replied by fearandfight on topic Something I was wondering about blood work
Julieann here is a good chart showing the norms of your blood work. Joe ;)

www.bloodbook.com/ranges.html

Another link that explains different blood tests

www.amarillomed.com/howto.htm

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15 years 9 months ago #18301 by julieann
Mama goes back to the doc in July. I am going to assume we will not be getting scans since he didn't do them in April. What I am wondering is.....what can bloodwork show? Meaning, will it give any indication of spread or progression?

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