How can the production of red blood cells be started in the bone marrow?
Hi, my name is Peter. I am 70 and I have been treated for CLL for a year.
If this does not come under the thread of "Bone Marrow failure", please redirect my post.
White blood cells have infiltrated my bone marrow and stopped the production of erythrocytes. Without these oxygen-carrying red blood cells I need two weekly blood transfusions to support my haemoglobin, which usually sinks to around 7.
The last bone marrow biopsy showed that erythrocytes were still healthy but they had no space to reproduce. My natural levels of erythopoetin, which stimulate the production of red blood cells, are high and are trying to kick start the process.
It is now six months since Rituxamab brought the levels of WBC to normal range.
I was switched Ibrutinib, but red cells are not being produced and I remain blood transfusion dependent. Has anyone any suggestions about what I can ask my doctor in my next appointment?
Thanks, Peter
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