anemia

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undertreatment2012
undertreatment2012 Member Posts: 126
in Ovarian Cancer #1
I called my nurse today. I am 10-11 days out from first chemo, I was sick but had been doing really well, until yesterday when the fatigue started. I slept 12 hours last night and woke up tired. Today when I get up to walk around my heart beats really hard, I am weak,tired and really feel like crap. After telling her this, and hoping she could tell me just to eat more spinach (I was hoping for something simple) she said she was faxing blood work orders to the lab and it could be that I may need transfused. Is that because I can "feel" the anemia symptoms do you think? I forgot to ask her that. :( eternally scared. thanks

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  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #2
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    Transfusion
    I needed to have one transfusion during treatment and I also felt exhausted when I needed it. The bloodwork is just to see what is going on. The nurse's comment is purely speculation, at this point. My transfusion was necessary because my hemoglobin was low, not due to anemia. Hopefully your test results will come in soon, so they can identify why you are feeling so tired. Then they can address the issue and make you feel a whole lot better.
  • ktamp
    ktamp Member Posts: 81
    #3
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    You are probably anemic.
    You are probably anemic. It's a side effect of the chemo. It puts wbc and rbc counts in the toilet sometimes. It is good to check the blood work so they know how best to deal with it. You may need a transfusion for this time but they can combat it so you will not need a transfusion all the time. They can give you a shot to stimulate the bone marrow after each treatment which will help the drop in blood counts. I had to have a shot of neulasta. It comes with it's own evils in the form of bone pain but it did keep me from needing a transfusion. I still got very fatigued for a day or two until it kicked in and then I started feeling better. Don't worry too much, this is all part of figuring out how to get you through chemo with the least amount of damage and side effects. Always communicate with your providers so they know best how to help you.
  • LoveButterflies
    LoveButterflies Member Posts: 74
    #4
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    Transfusion
    I needed a blood transfusion about 2 months into my treatment. My RBC had dropped below 9 and I felt the same way you do, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, dizzy and weak. The 2 pints of blood helped tremendously! By the next day I was feeling much better. My chemo nurse told me it's not unusual to need a transfusion mid treatment. I was having weekly chemo so perhaps that had something to do with it. But, don't be afraid or discouraged. If you need a transfusion, it will make you feel better.

    Hope this helps.

    (((hugs)))

    Carmen
  • antcat
    antcat Member Posts: 270
    #5
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    Anemia
    I'm anemic too, because I've been on so much chemotherapy. I, myself, have had 3 blood transfusions since January of this year. I also get a procrit shot. But, you have to keep the faith.
  • kimberly sue 63
    kimberly sue 63 Member Posts: 421 Member
    #6
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    anemia
    Anemia can make you very fatigued. But also remember chemo attacks the cancer but also affects good cells also. So this attack in your body is exhausting and your body is reacting by telling you to rest. Anemia and suseptibility to infection is always a risk with chemo. Get your blood work so you know where you stand. And when you are able to eat green leafy vegetables are good for reducing anemia. Rest and fluids are vital.

    Symptoms of anemia are fatigue, racing heart, dizziness. You most certainly can feel it.
  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338
    #7
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    So glad you're calling your nurse
    and checking on symptoms. It took me a long time to realize that I didn't just have to put up with whatever came along. Chemo fatique is unlike anything kind of tired I've ever had. I have "chemo haze days" where I sleep for 12 hours and still find getting up to go to the bathroom a chore. I'm way too tired to read, so I watch movies that I fall asleep while viewing. During these few days, please remember to drink lots of water and try to eat even small meals every couple of hours. As I start getting my strength back, I TRY to pace myself and I don't try to drive myself places until I feel strong enough. I've made the mistake of thinking that I was stronger than I thought and having an awful time just driving home from the store.... ugh, I was a danger on the road!
    (((HUGS))) Maria
  • undertreatment2012
    undertreatment2012 Member Posts: 126
    #8
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    Mwee said:

    So glad you're calling your nurse
    and checking on symptoms. It took me a long time to realize that I didn't just have to put up with whatever came along. Chemo fatique is unlike anything kind of tired I've ever had. I have "chemo haze days" where I sleep for 12 hours and still find getting up to go to the bathroom a chore. I'm way too tired to read, so I watch movies that I fall asleep while viewing. During these few days, please remember to drink lots of water and try to eat even small meals every couple of hours. As I start getting my strength back, I TRY to pace myself and I don't try to drive myself places until I feel strong enough. I've made the mistake of thinking that I was stronger than I thought and having an awful time just driving home from the store.... ugh, I was a danger on the road!
    (((HUGS))) Maria

    fatigue
    It looks like you have had this awful disease since 2009?? Your body must be ravaged. And I know what you mean about falling asleep. I dont even mean to and then I find myself waking up!!. Also I see a lot of myself in you. Your statement of just putting up with whatever came along, thats me. I think they will be hearing from me more often.

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