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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Hemoglobin Level Of 8.4 A Cause For Concern?

My mother had colon cancer 10 months ago and is suffering from anemia. Hemoglobin 8.4 this week, up from 7 last week. She recently had a colonoscopy, endoscopy, CT scan, and blood work. All tests came back negative. However, she s always tired, fatigued, very pale, and dizzy. Does this mean her risk of cancer coming back is greater? She had a blood transfusion post-op and anemia pre-op. She has had a few iron transfusions since surgery last year. Her B-12 and Vitamin D are in the normal range, however have been known to go low sometimes. My father and I are very concerned about the anemia because I ve read that it can impact your heart, brain and lungs. She also has shown signs of dementia for the last 7 years. She s 74 years old. In your opinion, what should we do that we haven t already done and is there a medication for anemia other than iron transfusions and diet? Thanks.
Tue, 18 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi welcome to the health care magic

For your case investigate anemia through peripheral smear examination with blood indices so that we can predict nature of anemia esp if hemolytic picture present

Here as cancer history present it is mostly anemia of chronic disease

Colon cancer if metastasized to bond marrow than cancer should be controlled first
Bone scan like investigation useful

Second for anemia diet, oral medication or iron sucrose injection are mainstay therapy

Your symptoms like fatigue, dizziness is because of anemia mainly and by cancer also

If needed than blood transfusion given to increase HB if injection fails...

Hope this will help

Consult your treating oncosurgeon or physician for examination

Take care
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Is Hemoglobin Level Of 8.4 A Cause For Concern?

Hi welcome to the health care magic For your case investigate anemia through peripheral smear examination with blood indices so that we can predict nature of anemia esp if hemolytic picture present Here as cancer history present it is mostly anemia of chronic disease Colon cancer if metastasized to bond marrow than cancer should be controlled first Bone scan like investigation useful Second for anemia diet, oral medication or iron sucrose injection are mainstay therapy Your symptoms like fatigue, dizziness is because of anemia mainly and by cancer also If needed than blood transfusion given to increase HB if injection fails... Hope this will help Consult your treating oncosurgeon or physician for examination Take care