anaemia and chemo

[georgiageorgia182]

hi everyone

my mums completed 5 of 6 chemos (carbo / taxol) for frontline treatment and is really struggling with fatigue and breathlessness. Her red blood count is also low according to her most recent bloods (before chemo 5) - so I’m wondering if some of these symptoms are exacerbated by anaemia? (One of the nurses mentioned this may be a thing right at the start of treatment)

has anyone ever found this? If so did you have a blood transfusion or anything else to manage?

thank you xxx

[Sunsetime]

Hi, I was anaemic around cycle 4 just before surgery. I was given an iron infusion, then after surgery needed a blood transfusion. Post surgery had 2 more cycles of chemo and red blood count now fine. Symptoms do resonate , I would suggest your mum share her symptoms with her team. Sure they can help. Best wishes. Sheila.

[Boot1947]

I had to have a blood transfusion after my twelfth week of carbo/taxol chemo. I wasn’t particularly tired or breathless but my red blood cell level had dropped. Deb x

[SopSinger]

Anaemia can cause breathlessness (not enough red blood cells to circulate the oxygen) so definitely mention it to her team. She might need a transfusion.

[Oaklake]

Hi, as the other helpful ladies have already noted, your mum’s symptoms of fatigue and breathlessness are probably symptoms of anaemia. I also had anaemia during Paclitaxel/Carbo chemo and the nurses were asking me if I was breathless and tired. I ended up having a blood transfusion after my third chemo cycle. I was trying to take supplements during treatment but the oncologist said often they are not enough to balance the effects of chemo and patients need an iron infusion or a blood transfusion to bring the levels up quickly. I’ve never had a blood transfusion before so was quite apprehensive, but it was just like having another drip for three hours. Sending your mum healing thoughts x

[delia2]

Hi. I’ve had three lines of chemo and needed a blood transfusion each time around cycle five. Fatigue and breathlessness are the symptoms. I felt so much better after the transfusion. It’s important to tell the team how she feels because if they just go by the numbers they wait til it gets really low.

[georgiageorgia182 in reply to delia2]

Thanks so much delia!! Mums pushed today and is going in for a blood test tomorrow - I'll make sure she really mentions how bad she is feeling. xxx