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Update on dad and questions about blood transfusion
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Update on dad and questions about blood transfusion

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Update on dad and questions about blood transfusion

  • Post
    • July 4, 2012 at 2:20 am
    cwu
    Participant

      Hi everyone,

      Hi everyone,

      My dad has stopped treatment for the mel on his leg, his last treatment was Yervoy which he finished late November 2011. His oncologist said dad has a mixed response.  While his existing lesions have gotten bigger and begun to bleed more, it doesnt seem like his lesions have moved upward to his upper leg and there are no symptoms of organ involvement (I cant remember his last scans but they must have been 3-6 months ago and were clear). Since his lesions are continuously bleeding, he had multiple infections and was hospitalized 3 times and was given antibiotics and blood transfusion.  He is weaker now and tires easily although he is mentally very alert.  Each time he was hospitalized, his hemoglobin was in th 8-9 range and after the blood transfusions, it goes up to normal 12 and he gets his energy back. His oncologist said there is nothing they can do to stop/control the bleeding. 

      Has anyone had blood transfusions and does it stop working at some point?  

      I would really appreciate any ideas, or thoughts or questions that we should ask his doctor.

      Thank you.

      Chau 

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 4, 2012 at 6:00 am
        deardad
        Participant

          Hi Chau,

          Thanks for message on my earlier post. I'm sorry its such a hard road to be on, seeing you loved one go through this. It must be very confronting to see the lesions and painful for your father. I cannot offer any medical advice but I hope that they find some control of the bleeding and you get some quality time with your dad.

          It's such a sad time and I'm sorry you too are going through this.

          All the best

          Nahmi from Melbourne

          • July 4, 2012 at 6:00 am
          deardad
          Participant

            Hi Chau,

            Thanks for message on my earlier post. I'm sorry its such a hard road to be on, seeing you loved one go through this. It must be very confronting to see the lesions and painful for your father. I cannot offer any medical advice but I hope that they find some control of the bleeding and you get some quality time with your dad.

            It's such a sad time and I'm sorry you too are going through this.

            All the best

            Nahmi from Melbourne

            • July 4, 2012 at 6:00 am
            deardad
            Participant

              Hi Chau,

              Thanks for message on my earlier post. I'm sorry its such a hard road to be on, seeing you loved one go through this. It must be very confronting to see the lesions and painful for your father. I cannot offer any medical advice but I hope that they find some control of the bleeding and you get some quality time with your dad.

              It's such a sad time and I'm sorry you too are going through this.

              All the best

              Nahmi from Melbourne

              • July 4, 2012 at 6:46 am
              FormerCaregiver
              Participant

                Chau, I am sorry to read this. Have you asked the oncologist about Imiquimod (Aldara)?
                See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imiquimod This is a topical medication that is
                designed to treat the types of melanoma that spread superficially. Therefore, it could
                be a suitable option if there are no internal tumours at the moment.

                Hope this helps

                Frank from Australia

                • July 4, 2012 at 6:46 am
                FormerCaregiver
                Participant

                  Chau, I am sorry to read this. Have you asked the oncologist about Imiquimod (Aldara)?
                  See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imiquimod This is a topical medication that is
                  designed to treat the types of melanoma that spread superficially. Therefore, it could
                  be a suitable option if there are no internal tumours at the moment.

                  Hope this helps

                  Frank from Australia

                  • July 4, 2012 at 6:46 am
                  FormerCaregiver
                  Participant

                    Chau, I am sorry to read this. Have you asked the oncologist about Imiquimod (Aldara)?
                    See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imiquimod This is a topical medication that is
                    designed to treat the types of melanoma that spread superficially. Therefore, it could
                    be a suitable option if there are no internal tumours at the moment.

                    Hope this helps

                    Frank from Australia

                Viewing 5 reply threads
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