My father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma a few months ago. He has four bone lesions, but his prognosis, in terms of the cancer, looked good as his plasma cell count was 3 percent. He has other health problems, however, that has caused problems (diabetes, previous stroke etc.).
I've discussed his case before here in the forum. See, for example, "Bone marrow biopsy and blood test results back!," (discussion started Aug 13, 2014) and "Spoke to Dad's oncologist" (discussion started Aug 18, 2014).
He had his 6th round of chemo last week but his platelets were low (around 30; normal is between 250 and 500).They stopped the chemo for a week but he just had blood test this morning and they just called him in for emergency transfusion. His platelet count was 3.
Is this pretty 'routine?' Should I be concerned right now? He has been complaining of very blurry vision and his blood sugar has been really up and down as well.
I know about low platelets and the dangers there. I'm just concerned there is something else going on here besides the chemo causing this.
I'm assuming he will be fine with a transfusion but I'm just not sure.
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Re: Platelet transfusions during treatment - how common?
They sent my dad home in the middle of the night after a long transfusion. He just got a call this morning to go into hospital again because his white blood cells are now dangerously low. This is such a roller coaster ride! He didn't even have his chemo treatment last week.
Perhaps the blood transfusion caused this?
Will keep you posted.
Perhaps the blood transfusion caused this?
Will keep you posted.
Re: Platelet transfusions during treatment - how common?
Pootren-
I don't remember what chemo you said that your father is on, but it isn't unusual for blood counts to go down - platelets, white cells, neutrophils and hemoglobin - when getting chemo. Platelet transfusions, Neupogen injections, and short vacations in therapy are quite common.
I just had a one month break from Revlimid in June because all of my numbers had dropped quite far between follow-up visits. I had an injection of Neupogen that worked quite well. I had been having problems with staying awake because of overwhelming fatigue, I was also jet lagged from flying home from Europe after a one month stay. Later that evening, after the Neupogen injection, it was like a curtain had all of a sudden lifted and the fatigue faded away.
After the one month break, my numbers had returned to within low normal ranges. My oncologist restarted me on Revlimid at a lower dose than I had been taking. Things have been good since then.
Hopefully the doctors will be looking at all of your father's blood test results and will make sure that he has the appropriate treatment for him. It's good that they are on top of things enough to call and tell him to come to the hospital because his white cell count is low.
All the best to your father getting back on track and for your anxiety to lessen some.
Nancy in Phila
I don't remember what chemo you said that your father is on, but it isn't unusual for blood counts to go down - platelets, white cells, neutrophils and hemoglobin - when getting chemo. Platelet transfusions, Neupogen injections, and short vacations in therapy are quite common.
I just had a one month break from Revlimid in June because all of my numbers had dropped quite far between follow-up visits. I had an injection of Neupogen that worked quite well. I had been having problems with staying awake because of overwhelming fatigue, I was also jet lagged from flying home from Europe after a one month stay. Later that evening, after the Neupogen injection, it was like a curtain had all of a sudden lifted and the fatigue faded away.
After the one month break, my numbers had returned to within low normal ranges. My oncologist restarted me on Revlimid at a lower dose than I had been taking. Things have been good since then.
Hopefully the doctors will be looking at all of your father's blood test results and will make sure that he has the appropriate treatment for him. It's good that they are on top of things enough to call and tell him to come to the hospital because his white cell count is low.
All the best to your father getting back on track and for your anxiety to lessen some.
Nancy in Phila
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NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: Platelet transfusions during treatment - how common?
Thanks Nancy. I was only concerned as they didn't do the FISH test due to complications at the time. It seems he just started treatment and he's always being rushed to emergency for low blood sugar, blood counts etc. I'm sure he will stabilize eventually 
Re: Platelet transfusions during treatment - how common?
Pootren,
It is a bit of a wild ride at times. I've been at it for, well, it will be 12 years in January, and the journey can frequently take interesting turns. It's understandable to be concerned with the blood variations you've listed, but they are not uncommon with multiple myeloma. I would lean on the oncologists treating your Dad. They are the most able to explain what's going on and, in my experience, they are generally willing to provide a frank, accurate explanation.
As in Nancy's reply, I can add from the patient perspective that your Dad's course seems a fairly 'normal' multiple myeloma response. Not much of a consolation for you, I know, but consider that the multiple myeloma experience is a more trying ride for family and caregivers than for us patients.
Best to you and your Dad..
It is a bit of a wild ride at times. I've been at it for, well, it will be 12 years in January, and the journey can frequently take interesting turns. It's understandable to be concerned with the blood variations you've listed, but they are not uncommon with multiple myeloma. I would lean on the oncologists treating your Dad. They are the most able to explain what's going on and, in my experience, they are generally willing to provide a frank, accurate explanation.
As in Nancy's reply, I can add from the patient perspective that your Dad's course seems a fairly 'normal' multiple myeloma response. Not much of a consolation for you, I know, but consider that the multiple myeloma experience is a more trying ride for family and caregivers than for us patients.
Best to you and your Dad..
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stephengreene
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