Anemia, EPO, Procrit, etc

So... I tried a search of the archives and found older posts (2+
years)
and some other searches on this particular topic. I am 5 treatments
in
of 27 of andriamycin and cytoxan (Taxol will be the last 12).

for the most part doing really well. Slight fatigue but still run
12-15 miles
a week and also walk about 10.

My hemoglobin hit 10.3 and my hemocrit is at 31. I do notice my heart
pounding more when climbing stairs, etc..

My oncology group says I am at a point that I can use EPO if I want
(not forced.. but they tend to prescribe it about now).

Lots of confusing statements/studies on this and there seems to be
more concern on the UK/Europe side vs. US. (at least in terms
of web searches.)

1. are the mentions of studies showing decreased "survival" rates in
breast
cancer patients using EPO conclusive? Someone mentioned but didn't
cite
an older study of more than five years ago. Are there newer follow up
studies?
An interview with a doctor casually mentioned that the patients may
have
been patients with worse case scenerios but again.. the article
didn't give
me a reference to get a full gist of the study.. it may have been done
with Procrit
and the procrit site did have a 'black box warning" for cancer
patients.. hmmm..

2. On the other hand, another mention of a mention, said that low
hemoglobin
levels can increase tumor growth (again, they didn't really cite it..
so.... take
with a grain of salt.) Have you heard this one and know a reference?

Just trying to weigh the pros and cons with actual references. My
nurse oncologist
did say that a few years ago they backed off giving it proactively to
patients on dose
dense therapies with levels at 12 or above because the side effects
seemed to be
more than the benefit but....

Anyway.. just curious as to what info others had that might be useful
as I weigh
my pros and cons.

Erika

"fluffymonkey" <hargadine@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1183767817.682141.262650@j4g2000prf.googlegro ups.com...
> . Slight fatigue but still run
> 12-15 miles
> a week and also walk about 10.

You're doing great -- keeping this up (to the extent you can) will be very
helpful.

> My hemoglobin hit 10.3 and my hemocrit is at 31. I do notice my heart
> pounding more when climbing stairs, etc..

It's reasonable to expect some general diminishment (I don't really want to
say "weakening", too strong a word) from the chemo and especially during the
low blood count periods. I'd say, keep up exercising, but don't overstress
your system - longer & more moderate may be the best bet during low periods.

> My oncology group says I am at a point that I can use EPO if I want
> (not forced.. but they tend to prescribe it about now).
.....
> Just trying to weigh the pros and cons with actual references. My
> nurse oncologist
> did say that a few years ago they backed off giving it proactively to
> patients on dose
> dense therapies with levels at 12 or above because the side effects
> seemed to be
> more than the benefit but....

Truth in advertising: I haven't researched the question. But, speaking
purely subjectively, based on what I've casually read, I'm glad I never took
any of the blood-count boosters during chemo. I guess I'd take the fact
that they've backed off proactive use as a cautionary point . . . .

I hope someone can give you some solid info -- I hope you'll find a
comfortable basis for making a decision.

Best wishes,

Ann T.
Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email