Hemoglobin

Mom's hemoglobin has been low over the past several weeks. Her hemoglobin level was 9.3 today; the doctors would like to see it above 12.0.

Low levels of hemoglobin mean that she is anemic and anemia is a side effect of the chemotherapy.

To help increase the hemoglobin level, the doctors ordered two shots of Aranesp, which is a "support medication." Support medications are administered to treat side effects of chemotherapy.

Aranesp is injected into the arm. The first injection was done two weeks ago and the second one was given just now.

The shot really hurt. Mom said, " I could feel it right down to my toes." It was a quick sensation of pain down her legs and all the way down to her toes.