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Low Hemoglobin Following Surgery And Chemotherapy For Pancreatic Cancer. Underwent Spleen, 2/3 Pancreas Removal & Artery Resection. Recurring Cancer?
Hello,
My sister n law was diagnoised with pancreatic cancer Jan 2013. She went through chemo 4 weels, radiation 4 weeks and then removal of spleen, 2/3 pancreas, resection of artery. She hasnt felt well since surgery, now her hemogoblin is 3 having blood transfusions over a period of 3 days. Does this mean cancer has reappeared?
My sister n law was diagnoised with pancreatic cancer Jan 2013. She went through chemo 4 weels, radiation 4 weeks and then removal of spleen, 2/3 pancreas, resection of artery. She hasnt felt well since surgery, now her hemogoblin is 3 having blood transfusions over a period of 3 days. Does this mean cancer has reappeared?
Mon, 25 Nov 2013
Hi and thanks for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this anemia. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy have as serious side effects anemia because these drugs and the rays destroy the cells that produce blood cells. This may not represent a recurrent cancer because it is not a classical presentation of pancreatic cancer but rather a side effect of treatment procedures. More blood tests can differentiate this and more so when the number of new red blood cells like reticulocytes remain low despite the worsening and severe anemia.
I hope you find this helpful. Thank you for using our services and feel free to request for more information if need be. I wish you well.
Dr. Ditah, MD
I am so sorry to hear about this anemia. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy have as serious side effects anemia because these drugs and the rays destroy the cells that produce blood cells. This may not represent a recurrent cancer because it is not a classical presentation of pancreatic cancer but rather a side effect of treatment procedures. More blood tests can differentiate this and more so when the number of new red blood cells like reticulocytes remain low despite the worsening and severe anemia.
I hope you find this helpful. Thank you for using our services and feel free to request for more information if need be. I wish you well.
Dr. Ditah, MD
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