Anemia

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Chemotherapy can cause anemia, a hemoglobin deficiency that can make you feel short of breath, very weak, or tired. To combat anemia, a doctor may:

• Watch blood levels of hemoglobin
• Monitor blood levels of iron
• Check your blood count
• Prescribe epoetin alfa (Procrit® or Epogen®) or darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp®)
• Recommend a blood transfusion (minority of cases)

At home, you can try these ways to combat anemia or fatigue:

• Get plenty of rest. Sleep more at night and take naps during the day if you can.
• Slow down. Do only the things that are the most important to you.
• Ask for help. Ask family and friends to pitch in with daily chores.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, including plenty of calories and protein. If you don't feel like eating, try smaller snacks and juices or a liquid meal replacement. Or try taking a walk before eating or changing your eating location.
• Take snacks with you and eat when you feel like it.