Hemoglobin (Hgb) > 9.0 g/dL obtained =< 21 days prior to registration Hemoglobin (Hgb) > 9.0 g/dl Hemoglobin (HgB) > 8.5 g/dL PROCUREMENT: Hemoglobin (Hgb) > 8.0 (transfusions allowed) TREATMENT: Hgb > 8.0 g/dL (transfusions allowed) Obtained =< 7 days prior to registration: Hemoglobin (Hgb) > 9.0 mg/dl Hemoglobin (HgB) >= 9.0 g/dL Hemoglobin (Hgb) > 9.0 g/dL, must be obtained within 8 weeks prior to screening for protocol therapy ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR RANDOMIZATION (STEP 1): Hemoglobin (Hgb) > 9.0 g/dL Hemoglobin (HgB) >= 9 Hemoglobin (Hgb) > 9 Hemoglobin (HgB) >= 9.0 g/dL Hemoglobin (Hgb) >= 9.0 g/dL Hemoglobin (Hgb) >= 8 g/dL Within 14 days prior to registration: Hemoglobin (Hgb) >= 8 g/dl Hemoglobin (Hgb) >= 9.0 g/dL Hemoglobin (Hgb) >= 9 g/dl