Saturday, February 19, 2011

Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia

Chemotherapy can cause Anemia: your blood is produced by special cells, rapidly-dividing in bone marrow. Chemotherapy treatments will kill some of your bone marrow cells, which results in a few blood cells.
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout your body. Without enough oxygen, tissues and organs will struggle to work. Before and after each chemotherapy cycle, you will have a CBC to verify counts your red and white blood cells and platelets. When the red blood cell count drops below normal, you are considered to be anemic.The symptoms of Anemia caused by chemotherapy: If your red blood cell (RBC) counts are low, it is possible that these symptoms: dizziness, weakness, skin or stunning fatigue (feeling tired, low energy) may become pale chills shortness of breath serious cases of anaemia can have these symptoms: chest pains, low blood pressure heart palpitations extremely weak (might need help walk) rapid breathing, painted blue fingernailsKeep a log of all your symptoms. Note the dates and times you experience them and classify the severity of each symptom (example: 1 = mild, 10 = severe). If you experience symptoms of anemia, call your doctor. If you have these symptoms, in particular, call for an appointment soon: fever of 100.5 degrees or greater tiredness that persists or worsens despite confusion/disorientation (you can't think straight) rest breathlessness or rapid pulse after slight activityTo get a clear diagnosis of chemotherapy-induced anemia, you will need to have a complete blood count (CBC) to verify the red blood cells and hemoglobin.If your number of red blood cells is dramatically lower, can be treated with injections of a growth factor, as Procrit and Aranesp. If your phone is not responding to treatments, you may need a blood transfusion.Helping yourself through the hassle of Anemia: in addition to medical treatment for chemotherapy-induced anemia, taking care of yourself is to speed up the recovery. Here are some tips about self-care: take short breaks or NAPs. Prioritize your day to save your energy. Work on the tasks in small explosions--not do everything at once. Ask for help with tasks you can delegate. Eat well, be sure to include the protein in your diet. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Engage in gentle exercise, how you feel able. if (zSbL

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