Cancer Survivors Network

Hi, mollyhannah -

I was on a different cocktail, so I won't try to compare severity with yours, but I thought it might be helpful to share that my oncologist *pounded* into my head throughout chemo that the best treatment (in his opinion) for chemo fatigue is moderate exercise (he suggested walking).

He also emphasized over and over that it's important to start exercising *before* the fatigue sets in, so, if you're starting next week (and if you don't already have an exercise program), now would be the time to start.

I felt like you, that I needed SOMETHING in my life besides (in my case) just work and doctors' appointments, so I definitely channeled my energy into keeping up as much of my exercise routine as I could. Even if I could only walk for 15 minutes some days, I know it helped me psychologically.

Hope that helps,

Traci

I work as a homecare nurse and had adriamycin/cytoxan every 2 wks for 8 weeks then switched to taxol/herceptin every 2 wks x 8 wks then herceptin alone for a year. I totally agree with the other posts...exercise as much as you are able. It will help the fatigue. I was a runner up until my diagnosis, running 3 to 5 miles 4 to 5 times per week. When I started chemo, I couldnt run but I walked with my neighbor everynight about 2 miles per night. I also did yoga 4 to 5 times per week. I would also work about 25 hours per week the week after my chemo then week 2 I could push it to about 30 hours per week. On the taxol, I was able to work about 35 to 40 hours per week.

Everyone is different...but I do think the exercise was the best thing for me.

Hugs
Linda t