Anemia and Chemotherapy

Anemia is a possible facet impact of chemotherapy (chemo). It is a situation that entails a lower within the variety of crimson blood cells (RBCs) in your physique. These are the cells that carry oxygen to different cells throughout your physique. Chemotherapy can injury your physique’s skill to make and launch RBCs from the bone marrow. In consequence, your physique tissues do not get sufficient oxygen. This results in anemia.

Whether or not anemia happens depends upon the kind of chemo, size of remedy, and the quantity given. Realizing that anemia can occur and easy methods to handle it might probably assist cut back the signs it might trigger.

How will I do know if I’ve anemia?

In case you have anemia, you might really feel very weak, drained, dizzy, faint, wanting breath, or really feel that your coronary heart is thrashing very quick. You will have pale pores and skin or chest ache. Verify along with your healthcare supplier you probably have any of those signs.

Additionally, you will be given a routine blood take a look at to measure your hemoglobin and hematocrit throughout your remedy. These take a look at outcomes are used to maintain observe you probably have anemia and if the remedy is efficient.

What can I do if I’ve anemia?

In case you have too few crimson blood cells, you might want a blood transfusion to lift the variety of RBCs in your physique. Or your healthcare supplier might offer you medicines, corresponding to epoetin or darbepoetin. These medicines assist your physique make extra crimson blood cells. Speak along with your supplier in regards to the dangers and advantages of the remedy in your particular case. Medicines take time to work. If the anemia is extreme or you might have signs, your supplier might resolve to not wait till the medicines work. They could offer you a blood transfusion.

Listed here are some methods to assist handle anemia and extreme tiredness (fatigue):

Take brief naps or breaks. Just be sure you get sufficient sleep.

Restrict your actions to people who are most essential.

Attempt simpler or shorter variations of actions you get pleasure from.

Take brief walks or do gentle train, if potential.

Take into account actions, corresponding to meditation, prayer, yoga, guided imagery, or visualization.

Eat in addition to you’ll be able to. Eat meals that embrace protein and iron. Drink loads of fluids.

Be part of a help group. Your healthcare supplier may also help you discover a help group in your space.

Restrict caffeine and alcohol.

Ask for assist with each day tasks.

Speak along with your healthcare supplier about methods to preserve your power and cut back fatigue.

Report any modifications in power stage, weak point, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, fluid retention, or leg swelling to your supplier.

Bear in mind, every individual’s medical historical past and prognosis is completely different. So every individual reacts to remedy in another way. Unwanted effects could also be extreme, delicate, or absent. Speak along with your most cancers care crew in regards to the potential unwanted side effects earlier than you begin remedy.

On-line Medical Reviewer:
Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH

On-line Medical Reviewer:
Sabrina Felson MD

On-line Medical Reviewer:
Todd Gersten MD

Date Final Reviewed:
1/1/2023