Low Red Blood Cell count

[tennis8285]

I did a search at this website and did not find anything substantial. I am on Lupron and Keytruda. I have low red blood cell count (3.44), low hemoglobin (10.5), and low hematocrit (33.0). These are typical values and vary at most 6% (up/down) monthly over the past year.

Physician assistant says it is not diet related. We did an extra blood test for haptoglobin and reticulocytes and both in normal range. So, apparently, bone marrow is working. Physician assistant says not to worry.

Is this a normal side affect? I had initially started on Docetaxel about 19 months ago and had three treatments. So maybe bone marrow was impacted somewhat then.

[Hidden]

Anemia is a side effect of ADT, I have it too. How are your platelet counts?

[tennis8285 in reply to Hidden]

Platelets are at 236 so well within normal range. So hopefully blood test readings will return to somewhat normal levels once treatment stops (April of 2022).

[Hidden in reply to tennis8285]

So you are not on Docetaxel now?

[tennis8285 in reply to Hidden]

no

[Tall_Allen]

Testosterone stimulates production of red blood cells.

[treedown]

I have had mild anemia the whole time on ADT. I also had low WBCs but they returned to normal ranges on last CBC test.

[dhccpa]

Mine are low since being on Lupron but they haven't gone lower. I haven't found a good dietary solution yet.

[katartizo61 in reply to dhccpa]

My levels lowered 4 months after beginning my treatment initially Lupron &Casodex then Casodex was replaced by Zytiga and preg. Several support nutritionals are warranted likely due to diet modifications. A very low dose iron supplement by again Nutri-West and B-12. I assisted my liver with a clenz. 4 weeks levels returned to WNL

[Oldunshavenone]

I've had low HGB and RBCs since starting on ADT. Anyone had experience with taking an iron supplement for it?

[monte1111 in reply to Oldunshavenone]

I took my wife's pregnancy vitamins. (Many years ago.) Got very sick because of the increased iron. What do you do when you are sick? Take more vitamins! Self prescribing is walking a tight wire (sometimes in a clown suit). I felt pretty stupid when I figured it out. I'm having a T-bone tonite. Should take care of my iron for awhile. I've had anemia for at least 3 years now.

[j-o-h-n in reply to monte1111]

Put ketchup on it and I'll be right over to kill you........

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 11/01/2021 7:12 PM DST

[monte1111 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Sorry. Shortage of ketchup. I'll be glad to infect it with covid. No bother. I deliver.

[Boywonder56 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Just read this.....ketchup....irish gravy...

[j-o-h-n in reply to Boywonder56]

(gravy) Truer words were never spoken... My deceased buddy Bill (Irish) used to ask for sliced white bread when we used to go to Chinese restaurants.... Chinese waiters would always ask him "An Éireannach tú?"

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 05/29/2022 12:09 PM DST

[KJMinPhx]

I have been on zytiga + p and Lupron for over 2 yrs. For most of that time I had low red blood cell numbers, but my MO didn’t think it a big deal. But ~3 months ago things went bad, mostly urologically. They found cancer in my bladder clear up to my ureters. Whether because of the advanced cancer or bleeding from bladder surgery (or both), I became severely anemic. Have had 4 transfusion over the last 3 months. Started on docetaxel last month and hopefully things will get better. But in answer to your question, anemia is a side effect of ADT.

[j-o-h-n in reply to KJMinPhx]

Sorry to hear about stuff on top of stuff. Here's hoping you do okay.... God Bless...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 11/01/2021 7:15 PM DST

[Apisdorsata]

Tall Allen is correct. The anemia is due to lack of testosterone. Nothing you can do about it Do not take iron unless you are iron deficient. Most men are not unless they are bleeding.

[monte1111 in reply to Apisdorsata]

Amen. A few people here who would like to see me bleed.