Post-treatment results

[shoppingtrolley]

My OH had 4 FCR treatments, each one reduced from the previous one because of his reactions (low platelets, fatigue). Last treatment was early August. Subsequent monthly blood tests show haemoglobin and platelet levels continuing to drop (10.3 down this month from 11.6; platelets 49 down from 52).

Is this standard? We had hoped that, 3 months on, things may be starting normalise. Only symptom really is fatigue, but that's not excessive.

And any ideas of how to try and improve these figures? We are both full time alpine ski instructors, and should be heading to the snow in a month, but feeling anxious about how he is going to cope.

[devonrr]

Have they told you why the figures are dropping over a period of 3 months?

I went straight on to 3 monthly watch and wait after finishing at cycle 5. Bloods have slowly improved since then to be quite normal after a year.

Have you told the consultant about the return to work and your fears?

I at post 1 year told him about my forthcoming Sri Lanka holiday and recently checked in with the GP for advice and final check before going so not to take risks with my health.

Everyone has recovery blips but 3 months is a long time.

If the consultant has not told you /OH what’s going on, try to get an appointment before you go back to work.

Worry will not help.

[shoppingtrolley]

We have no idea why it's happening - the changes aren't big amounts, but constant. Already have an appointment for later this month, with 1 more blood test due immediately beforehand, so will hope things are looking better by then.

Thanks for your reply.

[Rose-white]

My chemo was stopped after the 4th cycle in August as my haemoglobin went down to 5.0 platelets 10 and nutropines 0.5. I was given a transfusion since then I have had weekly blood tests and they are stable.

My latest BMB shows no sign of SLL so back on watch and wait.

[shoppingtrolley]

Hope the figures stay stable for a long, long time.