Transfusion fear

Thanks for your support wonderful women,

They retested me today and I had a slight increase so they were happy for me to not receive a transfusion (once I had downplayed my symptoms).

besides the obvious aversion to someone elses bodily fluids circualting through your body My fear is a bit irrational I think. It is about feeling helpless and having to rely on others for this life source. i hope I dont sound disrespectful to people who have needed it because that is the irrational thing, I obviously dont feel this way about others who have needed transfusions. It is just another one of my myriad of psychological troubles with self acceptance etc..

something that needs work in the future.. but for now, my magical avoidance techniques have reigned once again..whatever gets you through.

I will stop my post chemo rambling now ..

thanks for listening,

Tanya

Hi there I agree with the other girls that you aren't being silly. I thought I might give you another perspective though. I have had 10 blood transfusions over the last 20 years. I've also had blood products due to a clotting disorder that I have. They will go through the possible risks of infection etc as they do with any procedure but the risks are very minimal. It is amazing how much better you you feel and how quickly. They wouldn't recommend a transfusion if they didn't think you needed it. It's not freaky at all. No different to having any other infusion. I was freaked out by having the port inserted and although it has made life easier, I hate it. We all seem to have something that does our head in. I agree with Jessica that you need to identify what is worrying you about it. If you have it, I'm sure you will think "what was I worried about?" What ever decision you make, I wish you all the best with it. Good luck. Karen xox

I don't think you are being silly.I wouldn't want a blood transfusion either.Although it is very safe these days,there are still some risks. Packed red blood cell transfusion is usually given when your hb is less than 7 and you show anaemic symptoms ie, dizzy, tired , breathless.Do you have these symptoms? Sounds like you are boarderline ?Perhaps you can negotiate with your doctor as to what can be done ie delay last chemo?iron injections?agree to have one if hb drops to 7? I am just guessing here and thinking that I might ask these questions if it was me facing this dilemma. Good luck with it, Tonya xx

Hi, It can be hard to discuss such worries with medical people, and I  wonder if  it might be valuable to  identify what it is that bothers you about having a transfusion.

Is it a factual, logical worry, eg because of the health problems people have had from getting blood contaminated with HIV, or Mad Cow disease or other such diseases, and the fact that while they may screen well for the ones we know about they are still learning and there may be factors they do not know about yet? I think most of those involved in recommending a transfusion ought to be happy to answer any questions you have about this sort of thing.

Or is it an emotional fear, a concern of being invaded by foreign/alien material while you are struggling to deal with the foreign/alien material that is cancer? (Emotional concerns are relevent too, and it is really important for healthcare professionals to understand what influences us and our decisions).

Do you know how much blood you need, and would it solve the problem or at least help if you could get friends or relatives with the right blood group to donate for your use? Then it might feel better perhaps?

thanks for your reply rowdy. I know I should feel grateful to the people who give blood but instead the thought makes me feel helpless and also more than a bit squeamish. Funny, I never gave it a second thought until I was actually faced with it. I think that goes for the whole bc experience, which I guess is why the 'others' just dont get it!

I think I will just try to refuse until the bitter end! 

hope your new year is a much better one.

Tanya

Hi your not being silly we have such little control sometimes with treatment.

I had a transfusion not my choice, but after my mastectomy I had a bleed and doc had to go back in. Mine was very quick and there wasn't alot of choice.

Take carexx