Cancer treatment and anaemia

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I was advised to post this by someone on the Prostate Cancer forum

Last time I had a blood test at the GP in December 2022 before all this started the result was 148 g/L
The normal range is 130-180

After I finished chemo in December 2023 my result was 115 g/L

I started Olaparib/Abiraterone on 4/11/24 and they did a blood test before I started the tablets and I was 124 g/L and it has dropped to 112 at the last test

I asked the nurses at the cancer treatment ward and they weren't concerned at the result saying they they wouldn't be worried until it dropped to 80 and if it got that low I would need a transfusion
I don't see the consultant until 28/1/25 but I am concerned about it

One of the side effects of Olaparib/Abiraterone is anaemia and I would like to be able to reverse this trend if possible

I eat a healthy diet, I take a multi vitamin every day and have also added an additional iron tablet to try to help
The first blood test result was 124, the next was 114 and the latest was 112 so maybe that helped slow the decline or it has reached that level on its own– I don't know?

All I know is I am knackered all the time. When I walk the dog I'm short of breath and it's not a long walk (approx 2 miles)

Having a low blood count doesn't help with the fatigue I'm suffering from already so if I could reverse the trend it would be helpful

Do you have any suggestions?

Barbara G- Macmillan 22 days ago

Hi Slartibartfast,

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. I’m Barbara one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line. I’m glad to see that you’ve joined a few of our forums. I hope you find these helpful.

I’m sorry to hear of your symptoms, concerns regarding your blood tests and the impact they are having on your life. It sounds like you are doing everything you can to stay proactive about your health, which is great.

Here on the Macmillan Support Line, we do not have access to any NHS records, therefore we can’t say if the symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue and dropping blood test levels are side effects of your treatment.

With any symptoms we would always advise that you speak to either your treatment team, GP or 111 as soon as possible for assessment and advice. If you develop any new, changing or worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath we would advise that you contact 111 for urgent assessment.

Our Macmillan website has useful information on fatigue. It advises on how to assess, manage, and live with fatigue. It can be helpful to keep a diary of your daily activities and when you find you struggle the most with fatigue or when you might have the most energy. I hope you might find this helpful.

Finally, please don’t hesitate to call us on the Macmillan Support Line if you need further advice or support.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes

Barbara G

Macmillan 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 send us an email.

Ref BG/GHi

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Cancer treatment and anaemia