Hey thanks so much for your reply , I wasn't sure if anyone reads these. My hemo guy Dr. Long is super mellow; they have me do a consult with him and then CBC right afterward. I know my results that night online. He tends to only pay attention to my hemoglobin number. If it's 15 or higher im automatically scheduled for a phlebotomy the next afternoon. i bring in my laptop and watch a concert on YouTube , helps to distract me. I have a great relationship with all of the staff and even put together a custom thank you note for them. It really helps to have a good relationship with the staff. im also on baby aspirin plus Dr. Long has me drinking regular tea (herbal tea doesnt work) with my meals ; the tannins on black and green tea are supposed to help negate absorbing iron from the meal. Regular exercise is important too. I walk at a few local parks plus occasionally put in a few miles on a stationary bike at a gym. I tend to play tennis about once a week but right now that's on hold due to a wrist tendinitis that comes up once every few years. I live in Northern California and I live literally five minutes from the cancer center . im not doing hydrox or any other pills, only the baby aspirin and phlebotomy . Exercise, mediation, and positive thinking are all very important. I eat as healthy as I can. I naturally have a slimmer build and the good diet and exercise definitely help with that.