Low iron

Former Member
Former Member
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My Dad has prostate cancer and low rectal cancer which has moved to his liver.  I took him to A & E in August because he was pale and breathless. His haemoglobin was 98.  The doctor treating  him talked about possible blood transfusions. Over the next four weeks he had the levels checked every week and had two  iron infusions.  The level crept up to 105 and he was discharged.  

Four weeks later  the GP arranged a blood test at my request and it was down to 99 again, At last weeks test it was 95.  But the GP doesn’t think they need to do anything now for a couple of months.  Just for him to keep taking oral iron.  I said that the hospital team were talking about blood transfusions if it didn’t pick up it but the GP pushed back and said no, a couple of months will be fine.


My question is how often should this be checked normally?  Am I being unreasonable in thinking that two months is too long? 

  • Dear Headtapper,

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our online community, I hope you find it supportive. My name is Jo and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. It is understandable to have questions about your dad’s care and treatment.

    Anaemia can be a side effect of cancer treatments or cancer itself can cause low haemoglobin. The treatments of anaemia is determined by identification of the cause. On this platform, while we are unable to give specific advice as we do not have access to medical or health records, from what you have said it sounds like he is being treated for iron deficiency anaemia. When someone is prescribed iron tablets, repeat blood tests are typically carried over a number of months. If your dad is not symptomatic of his anaemia, then the GP may not feel that other treatments, such as a blood transfusion are needed at this time.

    You have mentioned that the team at the hospital talked about blood transfusions. You could speak to his specialist nurse if he has one or his consultant for some further advice about this and to check that they are happy with the GP’s management plan.

    If your dad becomes more pale and breathless again, or has any new, increasing, or worsening symptoms it is always important to report these to his GP or hospital team. This allows them to make a full assessment and decide if he requires other medication or further investigations to manage his symptoms. They would want to hear from you and know if he is struggling.

    I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Best wishes,

     

    Jo, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref/RC