Low haemoglobin/bacteria infection

[Paulo1976]

Hey everyone, hope we are all well. I am a regular on here and thank everyone who has took the time to comment on my previous posts. Firstly, my mum has agreed to radiotherapy and is going for the 20 sessions. She is determined to face this head on....

On another note, since chemo, mum has been really poorly. Has had neutropenia sepsis, a blood transfusion and sodium supplements. She has had a cough for 8 weeks now and it's confirmed a bacteria infection, which I know can be caused by the chemo. She is now on antibiotics again. If these don't work, I am going to push for her to go into hospital and have a IV of antibiotics.

Her haemoglobin has remained low and is slightly anaemic, which again is common. Following chemo, can you take iron supplements? Anything she can have to boost her levels. Anyone else been through this? Any advice?

My mum is just so low at the moment. I live two hours away and she is full of a cold now.....the oncologist wants to do another blood transfusion, which I am concerned about.

Thank you for reading

God bless.

Paul

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi Paul

I am sorry to hear your mum is experiencing some of the expected side effects from her chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy effects healthy cells as well as cancer cells which is why side effects are experienced. Bacterial infections and anaemia are common side effects which are playing a large part in why your mum is feeling the way she is .

If your mum is on oral antibiotics for a bacterial infection and there is no improvement in her symptoms , particularly if she has a temperature above 37 5C or below 35 5C she must seek urgent medical review to consider changing oral antibiotic or as suggested for her to receive intravenous antibiotics and have her bloods checked to assess her current ability to fight infection., especially if she has completed her chemotherapy within the past 4 weeks. Her temperature should be checked prior to taking any paracetamol or ibuprofen as these drugs can lower temperature but don't fight infection..

A low haemoglobin can cause tiredness , weakness and increased shortness of breath . These symptoms may be contributing to your mum's low mood especially following the high of completing her chemotherapy .Haemoglobin can be increased by taking oral supplements and taking an iron rich diet . The quickest way to increase haemoglobin and improve symptoms would be to receive suggested blood transfusion, symptoms can improve within 24 hours . Improving your mum's symptoms prior to radiotherapy would stand her in a better position for commencing her radiotherapy. Radiotherapy can effect the bone marrows ability to produce blood cells therefore lowering haemoglobin and causing tiredness .

If you have any further concerns please contact our Ask the Nurse service on 0800 358 7200 or email [e-mail] . i hope your mum feels better soon .

[Paulo1976 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Very helpful...Thank you very much 😀