[dxsParticipant]

According to the Mayo Clinic (USA) the 3 main reasons of a low platelet count are i) platelets being trapped in the spleen, ii) decreased production of platelets or iii) increased destruction of platelets. The one most likely for myeloma patients would appear to be ii) where chemotherapy is known to decrease platelet production. My sister-in-law just died from myeloma; her platelet count was so low that she had to have periodic blood transfusions. Her situation was not helped by a couple of bouts of pneumonia over the last 6 months. She had myeloma for about 2 years whereas I’ve had it for just over 1 year. Touch wood – I don’t have a low platelet count. The purpose of this message is to urge people with low platelet counts to really sock it to their consultant and demand to know what it means and what courses of treatment exist.

[duskParticipant]

DSX very good of you to post this at a difficult time for your family. Your SIL had a very difficult time overall. Do you know what her treatment consisted of?

You do not mention what her stage of disease was or her age. Sometimes these things also can play a part in how the body copes with what is an effectively aggressive treatment regime. Sometimes we need all to recognise that not everyone has an easy ride with this disease, I also fall into this category. Your point about being vigilant about your blood results and persisting with the doctors for supportive treatment is important.

Dusk

 

 

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