Anemia caused by radiotherapy and chemo

Maggie Hollis
Maggie Hollis Member Posts: 6
in Anal Cancer #1

3 weeks ago I finished chemo. 1 week ago I finished Radiotherapy, My last hgb was 11.0 on June 15th ish. I'm having shortness of breath and dizziness that is getting worse and worse. Can't even prepare dinner without having to take a break. Chemo Doc is on vacation. Rad Doc refers back to chemo Dr. Guess its Urgent Care tomorrow. Uggh. I have to go back to work. 

Transfusion at hgb of 8.0?

Comments

  • Wisteria83
    Wisteria83 Member Posts: 160
    edited July 2017 #2
    Maggie

    I finished Treatment at the end of April.

    I don't remember what my hgb was before they finally decided to transfuse me, but it was one month post treatment, and all counts were critical and falling.  Neither of my Docs could figure out why they were getting worse instead of better but Dr.s decided to hospitalize me and that did the trick.  I still get short of breath and I'm tired all the time, I'm still slightly anemic but my white count and platelets are nearly normal.

    I was nervous about getting the transfusion, because of the risks involved, but the precautions they take are great and they put me at ease about it.

    Are you drinking enough fluids?  That can cause the shortness of breath and dizziness too.

    I wouldn't wait for your docs if your symptoms are getting worse...Go to urgent care if you need to so they can address this.  I understand how scary it can be to feel the way you're feeling, so even if all they do is take another blood test, at least you'll know what your problem is, and they can get the ball rolling to get you feeling better.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #3
    Maggie

    By all means, get to a doctor today.  Your symptoms do sound like extreme anemia.  I hope you get answers and relief.

    Martha

  • Maggie Hollis
    Maggie Hollis Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2017 #4
    mp327 said:

    Maggie

    By all means, get to a doctor today.  Your symptoms do sound like extreme anemia.  I hope you get answers and relief.

    Martha

    Thank You

    Thanks MP. I will go to urgent care and get a cbc. Better to know for sure.

  • Maggie Hollis
    Maggie Hollis Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2017 #5
    Thanks Wisteria

    I'll go get that cbc at urgent care today before all the holiday folks start slicing their fingers whilst cutting their watermelons. It's frustrating being so dizzy and out of breath while just doing simple things like shopping at the grocery store. And certainly no festivities for me this weekend. Cancer sucks and so does its treatment.

Discussion Boards