Tips on Coping With Anemia Related to Chemotherapy

imageChemotherapy has many side effects. One in particular, anemia, is from reduction in 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 may result in more than fatigue. Here are some other symptoms you may experience:

  • Lightheadedness or feeling faint
  • Shortness of breath, with or without exertion
  • 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 erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) that can boost the growth of your red blood cells. It is delivered by 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 short naps during the day if you can.
  • Limit your activities. Do only the things that are essential or most important to you.
  • Try to get a little exercise each day. Even a short walk may help you feel better.
  • 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 lightheadedness.

Although anemia is a common side effect of chemotherapy, it 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.cancer.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 August 16, 2016.

Anemia in people with cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/anemia/anemia-in-people-with-cancer. Updated June 9, 2016. Accessed August 16, 2016.

Chemotherapy. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/chemotherapy/understandingchemotherapyaguideforpatientsandfamilies/index. Accessed August 16, 2016.

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated June 16, 2016. Accessed August 16, 2016.

Iron deficieny anemia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated July 12, 2016. Accessed August 16, 2016.

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.

Last reviewed August 2016 by Michael Woods, MD