Your Treatment Options

During your chemotherapy or cancer treatment, your doctor will take blood samples to check your blood cell counts. It is important that these stay in the normal range. If your red blood cell count falls below normal, you may experience some of the signs and symptoms of anemia. Signs of anemia can include weakness, fatigue, pale skin, lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and decreased energy levels. Treating anemia can help you feel better

Your doctor may suggest several treatment options for anemia such as:

1) Iron Supplements
Iron is necessary for your red blood cells to transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Your body needs oxygen to make use of the energy or calories in food. If your iron is low you can feel tired and have less energy.
Decreased iron levels may be a cause or can worsen your anemia. If your anemia is caused by low iron levels your doctor may give you iron supplements. For many people with kidney disease or cancer this is not enough and other treatments are usually necessary. Talk to your doctor to see what is right for you.
Most people can take iron tablets but some may need iron injections. Always consult your doctor or your pharmacist before taking iron supplements.

2) Diet Modifications
A healthy diet is important to your overall health. Your doctor may investigate potential dietary causes of anemia, such as a reduced appetite or vitamin and iron deficiencies. If these are the cause of your anemia then dietary modifications will help. Your physician may recommend a visit with a dietitian to investigate this further and identify what dietary modifications are needed. Always consult with your physician before making any modification to your diet.

3) Blood transfusions
If your red blood cell counts are very low, your doctor may recommend a blood transfusion. This is the fastest way to increase your red blood cell levels. A transfusion is usually given in the hospital and can take several hours. It is usually painless, however you should immediately inform your nurse or your doctor if you experience any side effects or discomfort. Most patients feel better after the transfusion but some may require multiple transfusions if their red blood cell counts fall again.

4) Medications
Your doctor may suggest a medication that helps your body make red blood cells. The increase in red blood cells will help to deliver more oxygen to the rest of the body and you will feel less tired. Talk with your doctor about medications that will help with your anemia and determine whether they are right for you.

5) For more information
It is important for you to discuss any questions or concerns you have with your doctor. Although not everyone can take advantage of the alternatives discussed here, you and your doctor can explore all the options together and find out what is right for you. If you have any other questions about anemia and your alternatives talk to your doctor.

Questions for Your Doctor

Print this page as a handy reminder of common questions to ask your doctor (and add any other questions you wish to ask). Take it with you to your next doctor's visit.

Fatigue/anemia questions and issues:

* Is it normal to feel tired or very weak on chemotherapy?

* How can you determine the cause of my tiredness or weakness?

* Could I be anemic?

* What is my hemoglobin level (and/or red blood cell count)?

* If I am anemic, what treatments are available?

* Other questions:

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Other issues to discuss:

* I have problems sleeping.

* I have questions about my medicine.