Mantle Cell Leukemia: Should I stay on blood thinners?

Posted by tim41 @tim41, Sep 11 4:28pm

I was recently diagnosed will Mantle Cell Leukemia. Don't know what stage yet. But my platelets are very low and I see very easy bruising and a long time healing on minor cuts. Question is that I have been on Eliquis blood thinner for over 5 years due to AFIB heart problems. This thins out my blood even more, so should I stay on Eliquis or not.? Look forward to any help. Thank you!

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Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Sep 13 12:02pm

Hi Tim, You have low platelets, which would put you at a lower risk for blood clots. But with AFIB your cardiologist is trying to avoid any complications with clotting. So this is a really good question for both your hematologist oncologist and your cardiologist as to whether you should stop taking the Eliquis or not. Members in Connect aren’t able to offer any medical treatments or advice on stopping medications.

You mentioned in another post that you have noticed small red dots on your skin which can be an indication of low platelets. Have you talked to your doctors about this symptom? Our medical teams can’t help us if we don’t let them know of changes in our health. So don’t hesitate to call your oncologist office.
How low is your platelet count?

tim41 | @tim41 | Sep 13 2:37pm

In reply to @loribmt "Hi Tim, You have low platelets, which would put you at a lower risk for blood..." + (show)

Have new blood work this week. Last time 3 mos ago I was told by my
oncologist about easy bruising. I think the Elequis question is for my
cardiologist. Thank you for your reply. I will post the results I get with
him about it.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 23 6:04pm

In reply to @tim41 "Have new blood work this week. Last time 3 mos ago I was told by my..." + (show)

@tim41, you might also be interested to know that there is a specialty called cardio-oncology. Major cancer centers, like Mayo Clinic, offer expertise in addressing heart problems (called cardio-oncology), potential or current issues. At Mayo, the Cardio-Oncology Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardio-oncology-clinic/overview/ovc-20442193) evaluates people prior to cancer treatment and patients who have experienced side effects due their treatment.

Have you had a chance to talk with your cardiologist in the meantime to ask about managing both a-fib and mantle cell leukemia?

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