What are the risks of blood transfusion after chemotherapy?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mom has brain cancer, so she underwent surgery followed by cyber knife therapy and chemotherapy. Now her tumor is under control, but her hemoglobin and platelets are too low (6.8 and 60000), so her doctor suggested that she should go for a blood transfusion. I want to know if we should go for it or if food and juices will help it. Additionally, what are the risks associated with performing the blood transfusion?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I read your query and understand your concern. Low WBC (white blood cells), platelets, and hemoglobin are common side effects of chemotherapy. Blood transfusion is indicated for your low hemoglobin. Let her go for one or two pints of blood transfusion over three to four days, which raises hemoglobin by roughly 2 gm. It is equally important to provide nutritious food simultaneously.

If you rely only on food, it will take months together for the hemoglobin to rise, and there is no guarantee that it alone will improve the Hb to the required number. It is not just about hemoglobin; blood transfusion also ensures that sufficient platelets and clotting factors are replenished urgently so that there is minimal chance of bleeding.

There is every possibility that Hb and platelet count may further go down as the patient is undergoing chemotherapy. I hope I have cleared all your doubts.

Thank you.