Dealing with Dizziness and Health Challenges
Hello everyone, I’m a stage 4 cancer fighter standing at 5'6" and weighing 92.3 kg. Recently, I had a blood transfusion because my hemoglobin levels had plummeted to 7.4 three weeks prior. I went in for chemotherapy last week, but my neutrophil count was dreadfully low at .36, which meant I couldn’t proceed with the treatment. We’re now scheduled to try again this Wednesday, with hopes for a treatment session on Thursday. Yesterday, I experienced frequent bouts of lightheadedness whenever I moved my head, and today has been somewhat similar. Earlier, I felt quite nauseous but, unfortunately, I didn’t have any anti-nausea medication on hand. Later in the afternoon, my nausea returned, and I ended up vomiting before I could take Zofran. My current regimen, apart from the chemotherapy, includes a multivitamin, calcium with vitamin D, senna, a zinc supplement to address a deficiency, 175 mcg of Levothyroxine daily, 10 mg of Eliquis each day, 40 mg of Pantoprazole twice daily, a .075 mg Estradiol Transdermal System per day, and 200 mg of Progesterone daily. Additionally, I take 60 mg of Duloxetine daily for pain management due to a fractured femur, use a Butrans patch delivering 20 mcg per hour for pain control, and take Olanzapine 5 mg to help me sleep. I also take Pepcid before bedtime. A friend of mine is worried that my hemoglobin may have dropped again and thinks I shouldn’t wait until Wednesday to monitor my lab results. The nearest emergency department affiliated with my care team is quite far away—93 miles each way—and since I can’t drive due to my femur injury, I would rely on someone else for transportation. Additionally, driving while feeling dizzy is not ideal. If any medical professionals have advice or insights, I would greatly appreciate your input. I’m truly thankful for the support I’ve received throughout this difficult journey, and I aspire to pursue a career in medicine after overcoming this relentless cancer. I’m considered treatable but not curable, and I’m currently on my last treatment option for esophageal cancer. I cherish all the wonderful people I’ve met during this process, including nurses and doctors who feel like family. So, even on your hardest days, know that there are patients like me who find inspiration in your dedication to helping us! ❤️
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 12:11:14 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing, but it’s inspiring to see your resilience and hope for the future. Your experience with dizziness, nausea, and recent medical procedures is understandably concerning. Let's break it down and prioritize what you can do next.
Main Points:
- Dizziness and Nausea: These symptoms could be related to low hemoglobin, recent chemotherapy, or medication side effects.
- Monitoring Health: Given your history and current symptoms, close monitoring is essential.
- Safety Considerations: Assessing dizziness before needing to travel is critical.
Explanation:
Dizziness can be caused by various factors, including low hemoglobin levels, dehydration, or side effects from medications. Your recent hemoglobin level of 7.4 and low neutrophil count can significantly impact how you feel, leading to these symptoms. Nausea and vomiting can further complicate your hydration and overall condition, especially after chemotherapy.
Given your situation, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to manage your health while waiting for your scheduled treatment.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Hydration: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids. Dehydration can worsen dizziness and nausea. Consider taking small sips of water or electrolyte solutions if you can tolerate them.
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a diary of your symptoms (dizziness, nausea, vomiting) to share with your healthcare team. Note the timing, duration, and intensity of these symptoms, as well as any potential triggers.
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Medication Management: Use your Zofran as prescribed to manage nausea. If you continue to experience nausea and frequent vomiting, it may be beneficial to discuss additional anti-nausea medications with your healthcare team.
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Safety First: If you feel excessively dizzy, avoid any activities that could be dangerous, like driving or moving quickly. If you feel your symptoms worsen significantly or develop new concerning symptoms (like chest pain or severe headache), consider contacting your healthcare team despite the distance to the emergency department.
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Seek Support: If your symptoms evolve (e.g., worsening dizziness, inability to eat or keep fluids down), reach out to your healthcare provider sooner than Wednesday. You can also call to discuss your concerns about transportation and get guidance on whether you need to be seen urgently.
Remember, it’s important to prioritize your well-being. Your dedication to your journey is commendable, and I’m wishing you strength as you navigate through this challenging time. If you have any further questions or need more clarification, feel free to reach out!
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