Clarification of Hemoglobin count........

Blm0001 · New User Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 6

I am so glad that I found this forum... my mother (age 63) was diagnosed with SCLC in early September and was hospitalized. They found quite a large tumour in her lungs (aprox 3 inches) and a tumour on her spine. The cancer had metastisized (sp??) and is also in her bones (i.e. sternum) and other organs (i.e. stomach). The oncologist told us unfortunately there was no treatment available that would extend her life expectancy and therefore she was put on pallative care with an estimate of 4-6 months. We took her home on November 17th as she was not happy in the hospital. She can no longer walk, her once slightly overweight body is now a measly 85 lbs (at discharge) and she has trouble lifting her head. I can not believe how fast and agressive this cancer is.

Sorry to be long winded - my main question is that while in the hospital her hemoglobin dropped to 85 and they immediately did a blood transfusion which seemed to "perk" her up a little bit. This week, on Monday, the lab came to the house and drew blood. Today we heard the results were that her hemoglobin has dropped to 80 and that another transfusion is definately needed however because she is not in the hospital and because she is pallative she is not priority so it could be early next week before the hospital can perform this.... should I be worried that something will happen between now and the transfusion? How much will it continue to drop and how fast? She is gray looking and REALLY tired...

Thanks for any information people can provide.

Sincerely,

Lynn
(Canada)

mikes · Senior User Joined: 25 Jul 2005 Posts: 143

You may want to look into Procrit to produce more red cells.

tobie · Regular Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 22

I was wondering if they would prescribe procrit for someone who is in the condition of Lynn's mother. Since she is receiving palliative care, she may only receive medication for comfort. My mom is in the same situation and only has weeks left according to her doctors. At some point, you have to be prepared to let go.

Blm0001 · New User Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 6

Tobie, thanks for your reply. They will not prescribe meds..... however they have scheduled a blood transfusion for tomorrow (tuesday)... the dr told us yesterday though that if there is any family that has not yet visited they should. He said "it will happen soon" - I just don't know what that means... mom is very confused the last few days, and today is very fidgety........

Tobie, did the drs tell you your mom only had weeks left? what type of things are you seeing? I want my mom to be around for xmas but I think I am about to give up hope for that.... I had a new babe 10 days ago and really wanted her to see my new son... the day after she seen him she declined... makes you think maybe she was waiting to see him and now is ready to go - at least that is what people are saying.

Blm0001 · New User Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 6

Tobie, thanks for your reply. They will not prescribe meds..... however they have scheduled a blood transfusion for tomorrow (tuesday)... the dr told us yesterday though that if there is any family that has not yet visited they should. He said "it will happen soon" - I just don't know what that means... mom is very confused the last few days, and today is very fidgety........

Tobie, did the drs tell you your mom only had weeks left? what type of things are you seeing? I want my mom to be around for xmas but I think I am about to give up hope for that.... I had a new babe 10 days ago and really wanted her to see my new son... the day after she seen him she declined... makes you think maybe she was waiting to see him and now is ready to go - at least that is what people are saying.

Blm0001 · New User Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 6

Tobie, thanks for your reply. They will not prescribe meds..... however they have scheduled a blood transfusion for tomorrow (tuesday)... the dr told us yesterday though that if there is any family that has not yet visited they should. He said "it will happen soon" - I just don't know what that means... mom is very confused the last few days, and today is very fidgety........

Tobie, did the drs tell you your mom only had weeks left? what type of things are you seeing? I want my mom to be around for xmas but I think I am about to give up hope for that.... I had a new babe 10 days ago and really wanted her to see my new son... the day after she seen him she declined... makes you think maybe she was waiting to see him and now is ready to go - at least that is what people are saying.

Blm0001 · New User Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 6

Tobie, thanks for your reply. They will not prescribe meds..... however they have scheduled a blood transfusion for tomorrow (tuesday)... the dr told us yesterday though that if there is any family that has not yet visited they should. He said "it will happen soon" - I just don't know what that means... mom is very confused the last few days, and today is very fidgety........

Tobie, did the drs tell you your mom only had weeks left? what type of things are you seeing? I want my mom to be around for xmas but I think I am about to give up hope for that.... I had a new babe 10 days ago and really wanted her to see my new son... the day after she seen him she declined... makes you think maybe she was waiting to see him and now is ready to go - at least that is what people are saying.

tobie · Regular Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 22

Hi Lynn,
Greetings from Winnipeg. The doctors have told us that mom probably only has weeks left. She sleeps a lot and is very frail. The simplest tasks leave her completely drained of energy. She is subsisting on mostly liquids with the odd bite of solid food. This despite being on steroids to try and perk up her appetite. In the evenings, she is very confused and unsure of where she is. She also seems restless and fidgety at times. From the sound of things, your loved one is a little further along than my mom is.
It's funny that you mention that her big decline started shortly after seeing her new grandson. I have heard that in the period right before Christmas, the number of deaths seems to drop off and then there is a rash of deaths after the holidays. It's as if the people don't want to die over the holidays and spoil things for their family. Or perhaps they want one last holiday. It gives them something to cling to. The arrival of your grandson was probably what she was holding on for. You could probably tell her that it's OK to let go now.
I have also heard that you might watch for a little burst of energy or clarity. That often occurs a day or two before a person passes away. If the doctors have told you to call in the family, it's because they know that your mother's time is almost up. I'm sorry that you have to go through this now. I'm sorry that anyone has to go through this at all. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Blm0001 · New User Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 6

Hi Tobie

Unfortunately my mother passed away this past Monday December 5th. She started her decline right after meeting her newest grandson. She died 10 days after meeting him.

Tobie, I hope you enjoy the holidays with your mom.

Best wishes

Lynn

tobie · Regular Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 22

Hi Lynn,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. It is difficult to loose a loved one at any time but even more so with the holidays. My mom is still hanging in there and we hope that she is still here for Christmas. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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