platelets too low for chemo treatment - swelling in feet

Is this a natural happening - I am at the end of my 2nd cycle & would have had a week off chemo but today my platelets were extremely low & I have swelling in my legs & ankles - so there was no chemo - I also have been beginning to have some neuropathy feeling in my fingers & feet ( or at least that is what I believe it to be from what Ive read) I really am not too knowledgeable about any of this - the onco nurse told me that probably everyone in the infusion room today had probably had their platelets go wacko & they had to stop velcade for week or 2 - & that probably my dosage needed to be adjusted - I ahve to go back Tuesday for a blood test again but no chemo - PLEASE I would love some feedback from patients or caregivers regarding these things.  THank you all.

I didn't have an issues early on with Velcade.  However, after 12 months of the stuff, I do believe it contributed to the neuropathy I'm dealing with.  It's a good meyloma drug though and worth the fight. 

Good luck

Doug

It is common for the drugs to cause your platelets to go down.  A lot of the time your body will get used to the drugs and have less problems with this.  If not, there are other drugs that you can try.

Hope your next blood test is better.

Janet

From Anna,

Hi Patzam, Welcome to the group.  The chemo can cause the numbness your having.  Dad's had it for years. What chemo have you been taking?

Your friend,

Anna

From Anna,

Hi again Patzam, Dad has had to have red blood transfsions off and on for years cause the chemo can cause it to drop.

Your friend,

Anna

i have been on velcade - i definitely thought i wold feel better than i have on the 2nd cycle - i am soo disappointed - do they give you meds for the neuropathy = friday nite i had chills, my fingers, feet and legs seemed to have no feeling - its better today & yesterday but fri was a long nite. every=ting i read made me think i would be funtionable = i heard people go to work after their treatments -  i guess or hope im just in a funk. people on here seem to be upbeat about treatment = i need to get in that frame of mind. thank you all for your reponses.

From Anna,

Hi Patzam, Don't know if anything helped Dad much with the Neuropathy but everyone is different.  I bet others here will give you some good suggestions of things you might try.  I know its hard but your mental state plays a part in dealing with illness.  Not just MM so try to stay as positive as you can.  I do know its hard.  Its hard for family to.  Mom and I both have days when it really bothers us about him.  

Your friend,

Anna

Good Evening Patzam;

I am at the end of my 2nd cycle & would have had a week off chemo but today my platelets were extremely low

I have had my chemo postponed for a week or so due to low numbers. 

I also have been beginning to have some neuropathy feeling in my fingers & feet ( or at least that is what I believe it to be from what Ive read)

I did not experience any neuropathy while taking Velcade. However, I was also on Revlimid. It has been written that these two combined tend to counteract each others' side effects. Perhaps you should speak to your doctor regarding adding the Revlimid to your cocktail and this may aleve some of your difficulties. 

I really am not too knowledgeable about any of this.

I would suggest you make yourself so. Otherwise, you're at the mercy of your caregivers. Not the position I want to be in! I want to communicate with my doc, not be talked down to by him.

Take care;

Kevin

 

 

Hey There,

  I am a caregiver and I can say that my fella has had some issues with swelling, feeling worn out, etc.  He is on Velcade, Revlimid and Dex.  If the protocol doesn't confuse you, the symptoms will.  As stated in the post, you will need to fill in your knowledge gaps or have someone do it for you. 

  As I have seen, the side effects can be difficult to manage, but knowing about what they are is a first step. In caring for Mike, we set him up to get Revlimid in the a.m.  Problem is, the side effect of a lowered B/P caused him problems throughout the day, so we now give it at night.  I just have to keep an ear open as he gets up at night alot to go to the bathroom and would hate to have him fall.

He is one that the Velcade hit pretty hard.  He has just finished his second cycle and spent all day Saturday in bed....and not eating much.  He did drink fluids, broth, ate popsicles...but not much more than that.  Appetite is shot...but being off this week the plan is to get as much in him as possible in small, frequent quantities. 

As stated, if you are too weak to learn the information, get someone to help you.  Knowledge is power in fighting the beast.  Best wishes as you walk this path.  AMW

God bless you for being such a wonderful and caring caregiver. I hope your plan works. Thanks much for the info. Never give up hope that miracles still happen. I'm a walking miracle myself. Take care.

Kathy in Ohio