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Tips on Coping With Anemia Related to Chemotherapy

image Chemotherapy has many side effects. One in particular,anemia, can reduce the bone marrow's ability to make red blood cells. These red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your body. When there are too few red blood cells, body tissues do not get enough oxygen to do their work. This can often make you feel tired and sluggish. Fortunately there are treatments to help you get back on your feet.

Symptoms

Anemia is more than fatigue alone. Here are some other symptoms you may experience:
  • Dizziness or feeling faint
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling as if your heart is pounding or beating very fast
Make sure your doctor knows about your symptoms. The sooner your doctor is aware the sooner treatment can begin.

Treatment Options

Your doctor will check your blood cell count often during your treatment. If your red count falls too low, you may need a blood transfusion. This donated blood will give your body the extra red blood cells it needs.
You may also have treatment with a medication called erythropoietis-stimulating agents (ESAs) that can boost the growth of your red blood cells. It is delivered over a series of injections. This treatment is only used under strict circumstances in people with anemia caused by chemotherapy.

Tips for Coping

When you feel fatigued, there are other steps you can take. The following will help you cope with anemia related to chemotherapy:
  • Get plenty of rest. Sleep more at night and take naps during the day if you can.
  • Limit your activities. Do only the things that are essential or most important to you.
  • Ask for help when you need it. Ask family and friends to help with things like child care, shopping, housework, and driving.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet and be sure to drink plenty of fluids every day.
  • When sitting, get up slowly. When lying down, sit first and then stand. This will help prevent dizziness.
You may consider starting or modifying an exercise routine. Although anemia is a common side effect of chemotherapy, it is something that can be managed. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and find out what will work best for you.

RESOURCES

American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/

National Cancer Institute http://www.nci.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca/

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

References

Anemia. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/chemo-side-effects/anemia.pdf. Updated February 2012. Accessed December 12, 2012.

Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated November 16, 2012. Accessed December 12, 2012.

Rizzo JD, Brouwers M, Hurley P, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society of Hematology clinical practice guideline update on the use of epoetin and darbepoetin in adult patients with cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2010;28(33):4996-5010.

Understanding Chemotherapy: A Guide for Patients and Families. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/chemotherapy/understandingchemotherapyaguideforpatientsandfamilies/index. Accessed December 12, 2012.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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