exhaustion

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nhmom73
nhmom73 Member Posts: 3
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1
I think this is my first post here. I am 38. I was diagnosed with diffuse large b cell lymphoma in 12/09. I did 6 rnds of RCHOP followed by 22 rnds of radiation. My biggest struggle is the fatigue. It isn't even fatigue,it is downright exhuastion. I have been out of treatment for a year. Was I naive to think I should be feeling better by now? The hardest of it is I am raising my kids alone, with no help or support whatsover. I lost my husband to skin cancer in 06. Sometimes it seems so unfair. I was there to care for him the 5 years he was sick. Then I get my diagnosis and there was nobody to help me. My house is in shambles. And I have all I can do to do what must must be done and have to just let it go. It has gotten where I will not even answer my door. I am living in near isolation. I have mentioned the severe fatigue to my pcp, as well as my oncologist. They just seem to shrug it off. But it is really ruining my life. Is this what being a survivor is? I almost wish I had just done nothing with the cancer at this point to be honest. Because I am not even living, I am just surviving. And it isnt making my kids lives any good either. Has anybody found anything that helps restore some energy? I have tried pushing myself, and just end up more tired. I am desperate for a solution at this point and would be willing to try anthing.

Comments

  • catwink22
    catwink22 Member Posts: 281
    #2
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    Day at a time
    Hi Mom. Please remember that a messy house is temporary and your kids love and need you. I know as a single parent in this economy and being sick, finances are tight, but are you able to hire a cleaning person to come every other week or once a month? Sometimes it's just enough to lighten the burden and those feelings of being so overwhelmed. How about a trusted neighbor or family member? You need to rest and take care of yourself even if others have to sacrifice for awhile. Take it a day at a time. Another thought is don't let your physicians shrug you off. Be assertive! You feel tired darn it!...and what are they going to do about it?! Wish you the best and surviving is a good thing.
  • KC13167
    KC13167 Member Posts: 215
    #3
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    You are not alone
    Hi Mom,

    I also had DLBCNHL with 6 rounds of RCHOP. My diagnosis was in 6/10; I am currently in remission. I continue to suffer from severe fatigue. I hate it. My oncologist says that everyone's different and that it can take up to two years before folks get their energy back. She also stated that some people never get their energy back. I refuse to believe that I will feel like this forever.

    Someone had posted information regarding free house cleaning via the America cancer society. Try searching and see if you can retrieve it.

    Is there a church friend or an in-law that would be able to give you a hand? Your fatigue is real. Your body went through a lot and now needs time to heal itself. Good luck to you and your children.


    Kellie
  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #4
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    Hey Tired Mom
    Have you and your doctors looked at other possibilities as to cause
    or contribution? I mean another illness (like we need one), nutrition,
    depression (hard not to be when you're tired), etc? Maybe something else
    is going on.

    Just a thought.

    I hope you wake up with much more energy tomorrow!
  • onlytoday
    onlytoday Member Posts: 609 Member
    #5
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    Hi NH Mom
    I agree with all that folks have said to you. And I do want to let you know that you are not alone! This disease is very hard to deal with - especially when you are on your own! WE all need support and help. I know that for me asking for or accepting help is very hard. I hope you can find local support to help you and your children through this. The fatigue is REAL and very hard to live with. Your doctors need to listen to you as well!

    I'm praying for you. This site is just full of wonderful people ready to listen..
  • onlytoday
    onlytoday Member Posts: 609 Member
    #6
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    Hi NH Mom
    I agree with all that folks have said to you. And I do want to let you know that you are not alone! This disease is very hard to deal with - especially when you are on your own! WE all need support and help. I know that for me asking for or accepting help is very hard. I hope you can find local support to help you and your children through this. The fatigue is REAL and very hard to live with. Your doctors need to listen to you as well!

    I'm praying for you. This site is just full of wonderful people ready to listen..
  • onlytoday
    onlytoday Member Posts: 609 Member
    #7
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    Hi NH Mom
    I agree with all that folks have said to you. And I do want to let you know that you are not alone! This disease is very hard to deal with - especially when you are on your own! WE all need support and help. I know that for me asking for or accepting help is very hard. I hope you can find local support to help you and your children through this. The fatigue is REAL and very hard to live with. Your doctors need to listen to you as well!

    I'm praying for you. This site is just full of wonderful people ready to listen..
  • scuttlebug11
    scuttlebug11 Member Posts: 175
    #8
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    onlytoday said:

    Hi NH Mom
    I agree with all that folks have said to you. And I do want to let you know that you are not alone! This disease is very hard to deal with - especially when you are on your own! WE all need support and help. I know that for me asking for or accepting help is very hard. I hope you can find local support to help you and your children through this. The fatigue is REAL and very hard to live with. Your doctors need to listen to you as well!

    I'm praying for you. This site is just full of wonderful people ready to listen..

    hi nh mom
    check with the social worker at the hospital i did and now i have someone to come in for couple of days a week to help with housework preparing meals, and laundry. blessings denise

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