Re: IVIG infusion protein infusion

January 3, 2008

>

> Could someone let me know what I'm in for. I know 6 hours of a drip

> but what side effects? They say one infusion a month for 4 months and

> then blood tests. My protein level is in the 400.

> Thanks for your help. I read this site everyday and have used alot

> of the information when I go to the Dr. I'm still in the W & W stage

> with WBC 64.3

Dorothy - you don't say what is being infused.IVIG is to boost the

immune system. I've never heard of protein infusions. When you say

protein level are you talking about the protein level after a 24 hour

urine test? Mine was at 5000 (top of the acceptable range is 150) when

I was diagnosed and my treatments were more for my kidneys (a side

effect of the CLL) to try to save them. I did 4 treatments of rituxan

(weekly) the first year, 6 treatments of low grade cytoxin (monthly)

the second year, and repeated the rituxan the third year. That started

6 years ago. My kidney values were actually normal for the first time

last November. I had to have regular labs done during treatment, but,

other than fatigue I had minimal side effects from the treatments.If

the infusions are to help your kidneys, do you have a good

nephrologist who communicates well with your oncologist?

One thing that has helped me tremendously is taking a tape recorder to

every appointment. Even when I take good notes there are things I

forget (or didn't want to hear). It also enables me to play the tape

back for other doctors or whoever and know that they are getting the

correct information. For more major appointments I tape everything and

then leave the tape for my primary care to listen to at her leisure so

that she is up to date on things.

Good Luck! Pat

> RBC 4.0

> HG 11.8

> PLATELETS 174

> DIAGONIZED 9/17/04

> W & W

>

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