How much rest?

Karen1418

Hi Ladies, I had my 1st treatment of my 2nd round of carbo/taxotere last Tuesday. Since Friday I have had periods when I just want to sit or lie down. I feel somewhat fatigued, but also feel "almost" nauseous. I'm not sure if it's fatigue or the "yucky" feeling that is behind my lying down, but doing so definitely helps. After awhile both go away and I feel fine again. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? (I'm betting the answer is "yes".) My question is, is it better to do nothing, or might it be good to try to fight lying down when this happens. I don't think I had too much of this the 1st time round, or maybe I just don't remember it! Love to all of you, Karen

Cindy54

Tired All the Time
Karen, I didn't have chemo, just surgery. That was six months ago. And I know exactly what you mean. Even now, if I get tired and don't just lay down, I get that sick feeling in my stomach and just can't keep going. I'll lay down and stretch out for a few minutes and I feel better. Then I get up and go ahead and finish what I was doing. It is better than it was, but gosh, I would give anything to not feel like such a wimp sometimes. I have tried fighting this feeling when it comes on, but it starts to make me feel lightheaded and then I break out in a sweat and just want to heav-ho. So I give in and lay down, even if it is for five minutes. Walking used to be my favorite thing to do and now I walk but have to look for a place to park myself to catch my second wind. It gets frustrating, I'll tell you, especially when I see people in their eighties passing me up! I am sure there are others here who will chime in on this also. Hugs to you,,,Cindy

BonnieR

Dear Karen,

I do know what you mean and the fatigue comes from so many things. Our bodies fighting, low blood counts after chemo. Plus your body needs rest to rebuild, so definitely rest when you are feeling tired. Make sure you are getting enough fluids as when we get dehydrated it increases nausea. We need to walk and move but we need to rest too ~ moderation is the word.

Yes you would feel more tired after this round, and with each round after this. Your bone marrow starts to come back slower so your redblood cells don't come back as fast. Which we know causes some anemia and also carries the oxygen in our blood. Hope you are already starting to feel better and make sure you tell your oncology team but being more tired. Sometimes an iron supplement can help, sometimes they will give you shots to help.

Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie

jane65

Karen
Hi Karen,
I know exactly what you're talking about, I've had periods of fatigue so bad that I just have to hit the recliner and stay there for much of the day.
There were occasions when we were shopping and I had to tell my husband to get the car, I was too tired to continue. What you're feeling is not unusual.

The fatigue is normal, we're screwing up our blood values, and the chemo takes a definite toll on our energy.

Don't try to push yourself to fight it, or work through it. It's your body's way of telling you that it needs to rest.

We know that the affects of chemo are cumulative as the treatments go on, just be kind to yourself, you deserve it!

Hope that helps,
Jane

Remember to eat well, and drink lots of water.

Karen1418

jane65 said:

Karen
Hi Karen,
I know exactly what you're talking about, I've had periods of fatigue so bad that I just have to hit the recliner and stay there for much of the day.
There were occasions when we were shopping and I had to tell my husband to get the car, I was too tired to continue. What you're feeling is not unusual.

The fatigue is normal, we're screwing up our blood values, and the chemo takes a definite toll on our energy.

Don't try to push yourself to fight it, or work through it. It's your body's way of telling you that it needs to rest.

We know that the affects of chemo are cumulative as the treatments go on, just be kind to yourself, you deserve it!

Hope that helps,
Jane

Remember to eat well, and drink lots of water.

Fatigue
Dear Cindy, Bonnie and Jane, Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. It is just so comforting to know others share my symptoms. I am trying to drink lots of water, but it isn't a habit, so sometimes I forget. Bonnie, thanks for the supplement suggestion. I'll certainly mention the fatigue at my next treatment. I think I'm still fighting the thought that chemo side effects will probably get worse. I just want to go on with life as normal and not be reminded everyday of cancer. I'm sure we all wish that! Take care of yourselves. Karen

kayandok

Tired
Hi Karen, I had more fatigue with carbo/taxol in the first few rounds, although some people are the opposite. My theory is that my body was still weak from surgery and not completely recovered so a double whammy of fatigue. I slept at least 12 hours a day for the initial cycles, and took naps when I needed them, but seemed to gain more energy toward the end. I think the key is to listen to your body and give yourself a break. This is not the time to set any kind of record on accomplishing great goals. I made sure I had a bit of protein every meal and took B6 and L-glutamine (powder form) for neuropathy and magnesium for the bowels.
Take good care,
Hugs, Kathleen:)

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