Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
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?
posted on
Sun, 24 Nov 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 24 Nov 2013
Answered on
Mon, 25 Nov 2013
Last reviewed on
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
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Blood transfusion
Loading Online Doctors....