Alert on the HB content
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, that effect can last for a long time. Usually it has to do with a reduced HB content. Why is that and what can you do about it?
Fatigue and lethargy are often heard physical complaints during and after the chemotherapy. One of the possible causes is a lack of red blood cells, also called anemia or anemiacalled. Figures show that nearly 30 percent of cancer patients are affected by this.
it is important to tackle anemia because it makes the fight against cancer easier. But what exactly is anemia?
Red blood cells are the most abundant cells in the body. They transport oxygen from the lungs to all parts of your body. They remove carbon dioxide again. Hemoglobin is the substance in the red blood cell that binds oxygen. Normally, the lifespan of red blood cells is about 120 days. At the end of this life cycle, the depleted red blood cells are destroyed by the body.
Anemia
Cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy can lead to a decrease in the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow and thus to long-term anemia. Anemia can make cancer treatment less effective by also depriving tumor cells of oxygen, which can make them more resistant to radiation and some chemotherapy treatments. In addition, some chemotherapy may also damage mature red blood cells.
Not life-threatening
Anemia does not have to be life-threatening, but it can make you very tired, dizzy or short of breath and look pale. It also has a lot of influence on your daily functioning.
Symptoms of anemia:
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Pale, faded color
• Shortness of breath
• Concentration problems
• palpitations
Regular check
If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, it is wise to consult with the oncology nurse. In any case, your blood will be regularly checked for the number of red blood cells before and during chemotherapy. If this number is too low, the doctor can prescribe drugs that stimulate the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. In case of iron deficiency, you can also be prescribed additional iron.
Blood transfusion
Another – short-term – solution is a blood transfusion, where you receive donated blood with sufficient red blood cells. This is repeated more often if necessary. In addition, you will be prescribed a diet with high nutritional values, which supports the production of red blood cells.
To move
Even if you are tired, exercise remains important for cancer patients even with anemia. If you cannot bring yourself to do it, talk to the oncology nurse to see if a suitable personal program can be made.
Tips:
• Hold a diary in which you indicate when the fatigue strikes.
• Schedule activities for times when you have the most energy.
• Tell your specialist when you become extremely tired and what you can or cannot do, so that he or she has a good idea of the situation.
• Be economical with your energy. Try to outsource household chores or do as much sitting as possible.
• Try to eat enough (healthy) and drink a lot.
• A regular sleep pattern is important. A short afternoon nap is allowed, but do not lie in bed all day.
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