What can you do to cope with low blood counts? In this month’s Teal Talk, MOCA’s Community Support Program Manager Stefanie Gliniany shares information to help ovarian cancer survivors deal with low blood counts, a common side effect of treatment.
Radiation and chemotherapy may cause drops in blood count levels, which are closely monitored during cancer treatment. Treatments can affect red and white blood cells, and/or your platelets. It’s best to prevent low blood counts before they occur, so make sure to talk with your medical team to see if there is anything you can do proactively. If you are experiencing low blood counts, here are some tips to keep you healthy:
–Eat a balanced diet that includes protein and iron-rich foods. Your body needs all the nutrients it can get to heal itself.
-Rest between activities and save your energy for the most important activities.
-Avoid germs and wash your hands frequently.
-Avoid injury and infections, as many every day activities put you at risk of scrapes and cuts. Try to use an electric razor instead of a blade, ask someone else to cut the food in the kitchen, etc.
Talk to a member of your health care team for other specific ways you can prevent and cope with low blood counts.
