Sleeping All day??? Is this normal?

KDWalker

Hi everybody ... my Dad was (officially) diagnosed a week ago wtih Stage 4 - mets to liver, he's been in pain for a month.   We;re meeting with the oncologist tomorrow, and he's getting his chemo port put in Friday and supposed to start chemo next week.   We are still worried about his liver.   But he has started sleeping ALL day long ... he gets up to eat a little and then goes back to sleep.   Although he is bloated (has some fluid and air in belly per the ER last week, but nothing to cause concer they said)  he has no fever, no swelling around feet or ankles.  Just really so tired, I'm sure the cancer takes a lot of of you but this is so not like him.  My Mom is so worried because she saw her own Father pass away from lung cancer and all he did was sleep before.   Can anyone tell me if they experienced EXTREME fatigue when dealing with their Stage 4 Colon Cancer ... I just want to give my Mom some postive feedback.    We want to fight this thing soo bad but I'm worried with him sleeping so much he isn't fighting.    thank you!

Sundanceh

Well, he's been in pain for a month.  I don't know about you, but when I'm really physically hurting, I like to lay down and rest.  Rest is always good for the body...especially with him about to starting marching through all of the upcoming appointments and starting treatments. 

There may be a mental part of this as well.  Not so much depression, but anxiety and fear of the unknown - which can feed into depression. 

When I was last in treatment, I slept a good deal of everyday away...I was just too sick to even sit up for more than an hour or two at a time.

Tell Mom that the first thing that we have to do is stay as cool as she can...it's hard to think clearly when our minds are distracted with fears of the unknown...although it's understandable when you're first starting out.  There are many stage 4 and metastatic stage 4's here...

One of the things you want to ask..."Is the liver a candidate for a resection?"  And if not now, do they believe that after chemo that he will have?"  Alot of times chemo is used to shrink tumors to allow for any kind of resection....colon, rectal, liver, lung etc. etc.

Surgery is the best weapon that any cancer patient has in their fight, if it is available - or attainable. 

For now, just have him rest where he needs to....it's all so new...and as with anything, when you don't know what to expect, it can all be so overwhelming.  But, you've got a plan of action now...and all one can do is go forward with that...talk to us for opinions/experiences...and be prepared to change horses in the middle of the stream if it comes to that.

Keep talking to him...cancer can be isolating for all parties...so keep the comm open...and don't let him slip into a deep depression...if he has moments, that's ok...let him have them...part of the cost of doing business.  And it clears the head and releases a lot of pent up feelings.

Same thing applies for you and the caregiving team.

I'm a 3x cancer survivor...just three months shy of the 9-year mark...metastatic stage 4.....rectal, liver, and lungs twice. Currently in a remissive state for 21-months, which is the longest stretch of clear time in my whole fight.

Now, that Rx should give Mom the positive feedback she is looking for.

Good luck and keep us all posted on your progress...

-Craig

lilacbrroller

being tired

I'm stage IV as well and slept a lot too when I first got chemo and the port.  I had the port put in and started chemo shortly thereafter, and boy was I tired.  I pretty much slept round the clock and didn't get my appetite back for about a month.  It wasn't depression, just physical exhaustion.  Getting out of bed and moving my body took so much effort.  but after a few treatments I got used to it, started walking around more and slowly got better. Even when I was active, I remember being up and about, and then getting this slightly dizzy feeling which told me to just lie down and rest, and I did.  Sometimes I'd be immobile but awake. I watched alot of NCIS   I dealt with the days in terms of "energy units." I knew I'd be tired if I did too much, so I rationed my activities and chose when I would exert myself.  Someone told me that letting my body rest was actually good because it allowed my body to focus on fighting the cancer and let the chemo do its work.  I kept a journal every day of all my symptoms and side effects. After awhile I knew what to expect, and how the "cycle" would play out (chemo every other week.)  

good luck to your Dad.  

-Karin

lilacbrroller

being tired

I'm stage IV as well and slept a lot too when I first got chemo and the port.  I had the port put in and started chemo shortly thereafter, and boy was I tired.  I pretty much slept round the clock and didn't get my appetite back for about a month.  It wasn't depression, just physical exhaustion.  Getting out of bed and moving my body took so much effort.  but after a few treatments I got used to it, started walking around more and slowly got better. Even when I was active, I remember being up and about, and then getting this slightly dizzy feeling which told me to just lie down and rest, and I did.  Sometimes I'd be immobile but awake. I watched alot of NCIS   I dealt with the days in terms of "energy units." I knew I'd be tired if I did too much, so I rationed my activities and chose when I would exert myself.  Someone told me that letting my body rest was actually good because it allowed my body to focus on fighting the cancer and let the chemo do its work.  I kept a journal every day of all my symptoms and side effects. After awhile I knew what to expect, and how the "cycle" would play out (chemo every other week.)  

good luck to your Dad.  

-Karin

Trubrit

lilacbrroller said:

being tired

I'm stage IV as well and slept a lot too when I first got chemo and the port.  I had the port put in and started chemo shortly thereafter, and boy was I tired.  I pretty much slept round the clock and didn't get my appetite back for about a month.  It wasn't depression, just physical exhaustion.  Getting out of bed and moving my body took so much effort.  but after a few treatments I got used to it, started walking around more and slowly got better. Even when I was active, I remember being up and about, and then getting this slightly dizzy feeling which told me to just lie down and rest, and I did.  Sometimes I'd be immobile but awake. I watched alot of NCIS   I dealt with the days in terms of "energy units." I knew I'd be tired if I did too much, so I rationed my activities and chose when I would exert myself.  Someone told me that letting my body rest was actually good because it allowed my body to focus on fighting the cancer and let the chemo do its work.  I kept a journal every day of all my symptoms and side effects. After awhile I knew what to expect, and how the "cycle" would play out (chemo every other week.)  

good luck to your Dad.  

-Karin

A good idea

I've also been keeping a daily journal, thanks to my cousin who told me how important it would be.

Its definiely a good idea, as our own bodies seem to follow some kind of rhthym. 

I'm thinking your father's body is craving the rest in order to help with its healing. Its always worth mentioning to his Doctor though. 

Good luck Father. He must feel the love and strength from you and your mum, and no doubt other members. Now he has the thoughts and prayers of many colon cancer patients. It all helps.

Give him a huge hug for me. 

gizzyluv

Hi, my name is Kris. I'm new

Hi, my name is Kris. I'm new here as well. My husband Jason was diagnosed with Stage 4 CC w/ 1 met to his liver a little over a month ago & yes, he has slept a LOT! (before he even knew what was wrong) I think it's just normal. Jason is only 42, & the reason I say that is I'm assuming your dad is older than 42? So, the fact that he is (probably?) older doesn't mean the cancer is any worse for him, if that makes sense?.....I guess what I'm trying to say is my husband is otherwise a very healthy person. We've only been married for 5 years, we dated for almost 2 yrs. before marrying, & I NEVER knew of him being sick....not a cold, nothing. So, I think the fatigue just goes along with the whole cancer thing.....it sucks, but it is what it is. He starts his chemo on Monday, & one thing his oncologist told him is that once the chemo starts shrinking the tumor, he should feel much better, as far as the fatigue. (yes, fatigue is one of the side effects of the chemo, but from the way the dr. explained it, it would be a "different" kind of fatigue....? I don't pretend to know what that means, but it did sound positive.) All this is new to me, & the people here on this site have been like angels....there are SO many Stage 4 SURVIVORS here & that is SO encouraging. I have found myself just looking at the profiles on here, comparing Jason's diagnosis & symptoms with theirs, & it's so encouraging to read that there are people on here who have gone through what he is going through, & many who have, unfortunately, gone through much worse....YEARS AGO!  So, just hang in there, breathe, & pray....And let this site be an outlet for you, if you have questions, ask....if you just need to vent, do it....everyone I've met on here are here because they 'want' to help people just like you & me....because they have been where we are & they want to help. I may not be able to help much yet, but I can certainly be here for you to vent to! Take care & God Bless, Kris

Winny

Hi I’m Ron im new also

my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer to the liver, it’s all over the liver, she just started her 2nd round of chemo and yes she does sleep a lot, shes only 36 with 4 kids from 12-16.  I’m hoping this sleeping is normal cause it’s kinda scary seeing her like this.  hope you have beaten this.  Thanks 

OMY

Winny said:

Hi I’m Ron im new also

my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer to the liver, it’s all over the liver, she just started her 2nd round of chemo and yes she does sleep a lot, shes only 36 with 4 kids from 12-16.  I’m hoping this sleeping is normal cause it’s kinda scary seeing her like this.  hope you have beaten this.  Thanks 

Hi Ron

After chemo, depending on folfox , or which treatment, I can only tell you I had three treatments 48 hours via pump. and at same time more treatments during day.  I would be out...asleep for 4 to 5 days.  I would eat enough to stay alive.  I also lost 40 pounds in the frist 6 months on folfox.  flofox was much worst for me than folfuri.  It was normal for me to sleep for at least 3 days only to get out of bed to pee.  I could only make it from the bathroom.  Big risk is clots.  I did get a PE, Pulminary Embolism.  It is common but very dangerous.  clots are the problem with sleeping. Walking around is best for a little bit each day.  

feel better. 

OMY

Still sleeping alot

I had surgery 3 months ago.  I was stage IV .  They say I'm cancer free.  I can't wake up in the mornings and I fall asleep around 4pm each day for either the night or get up about 9pm.  Then I can't sleep till 3am and ....round and around we go.  I feel so sick in the morning that I can't get up.  I also have lyme so it may be playing a roll.  I 'm going to a local support group in a few days to get support.  I hear of people just bouncing back and and being wonderful.  I'm just wondering if anyone else has issues like this after 18months of chemo and a foot of my colon taken out...

 

thanks yall

omy

Joanne0915

Winny said:

Hi I’m Ron im new also

my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer to the liver, it’s all over the liver, she just started her 2nd round of chemo and yes she does sleep a lot, shes only 36 with 4 kids from 12-16.  I’m hoping this sleeping is normal cause it’s kinda scary seeing her like this.  hope you have beaten this.  Thanks 

I know how you feel

My husband is only 35 and we have two samll children and we was diagnosed 6 months ago while on vacation with satge liver cancer. He has been sleeping so much lately and it's scary. He still has an appetite which I'm happy about but he just looks so tired. I pray to God  that he starts to feel better soon. I will pray for your wife as well. I hope she is doing well.

Mikenh

OMY said:

Still sleeping alot

I had surgery 3 months ago.  I was stage IV .  They say I'm cancer free.  I can't wake up in the mornings and I fall asleep around 4pm each day for either the night or get up about 9pm.  Then I can't sleep till 3am and ....round and around we go.  I feel so sick in the morning that I can't get up.  I also have lyme so it may be playing a roll.  I 'm going to a local support group in a few days to get support.  I hear of people just bouncing back and and being wonderful.  I'm just wondering if anyone else has issues like this after 18months of chemo and a foot of my colon taken out...

 

thanks yall

omy

I had bouts of sleepiness

I had bouts of sleepiness while on Chemo but I had the flexibility to take naps during the day. I think that what helped was taking walks during the day, even when I felt really crummy and/or tired as I usually felt better after five minutes of walking - unless my body was exhausted.

I had surgery a month ago and I have my watch alarms set to go off at 1:30 AM and 4:30 AM to empty the bag and that hits my sleep a bit but I can rest more soundly if I don't have to worry about bag leaks. Cancer really messes up your life, schedule (as in putting your life on hold), and it can get you into some sleep habits that aren't good for you. I've had these issues in the past before cancer too and there's generally a known list of things to do that can help.

tishy

gizzyluv said:

Hi, my name is Kris. I'm new

Hi, my name is Kris. I'm new here as well. My husband Jason was diagnosed with Stage 4 CC w/ 1 met to his liver a little over a month ago & yes, he has slept a LOT! (before he even knew what was wrong) I think it's just normal. Jason is only 42, & the reason I say that is I'm assuming your dad is older than 42? So, the fact that he is (probably?) older doesn't mean the cancer is any worse for him, if that makes sense?.....I guess what I'm trying to say is my husband is otherwise a very healthy person. We've only been married for 5 years, we dated for almost 2 yrs. before marrying, & I NEVER knew of him being sick....not a cold, nothing. So, I think the fatigue just goes along with the whole cancer thing.....it sucks, but it is what it is. He starts his chemo on Monday, & one thing his oncologist told him is that once the chemo starts shrinking the tumor, he should feel much better, as far as the fatigue. (yes, fatigue is one of the side effects of the chemo, but from the way the dr. explained it, it would be a "different" kind of fatigue....? I don't pretend to know what that means, but it did sound positive.) All this is new to me, & the people here on this site have been like angels....there are SO many Stage 4 SURVIVORS here & that is SO encouraging. I have found myself just looking at the profiles on here, comparing Jason's diagnosis & symptoms with theirs, & it's so encouraging to read that there are people on here who have gone through what he is going through, & many who have, unfortunately, gone through much worse....YEARS AGO!  So, just hang in there, breathe, & pray....And let this site be an outlet for you, if you have questions, ask....if you just need to vent, do it....everyone I've met on here are here because they 'want' to help people just like you & me....because they have been where we are & they want to help. I may not be able to help much yet, but I can certainly be here for you to vent to! Take care & God Bless, Kris

Stage 4 spread

My sister is 61 and has just been diangosed with colorectal cancer.  Some spread appearing in her liver.  Going to find out the p.m at the oncologist, to find out

how to treat.  I am worried as she won't eat, and sleeps all of the time,  Some degree of spitting up.  It has to be Stage 4 and I am really worried about the sleepig

and no appetite.  This sites gives me hope that once chemo starts she can get some appetite back.  Is this pretty normal?   She cannot get energy without food!

 

Mikenh

tishy said:

Stage 4 spread

My sister is 61 and has just been diangosed with colorectal cancer.  Some spread appearing in her liver.  Going to find out the p.m at the oncologist, to find out

how to treat.  I am worried as she won't eat, and sleeps all of the time,  Some degree of spitting up.  It has to be Stage 4 and I am really worried about the sleepig

and no appetite.  This sites gives me hope that once chemo starts she can get some appetite back.  Is this pretty normal?   She cannot get energy without food!

 

Hello Tishy,

Hello Tishy,

I'd suggest starting your own thread on your sister so that could be your thread for your sister as it would be easier for you and others to find.

Appetite varies from person to person though it does seem like there are a lot of people that have trouble eating on chemo. I've always been the other way - I have to work to avoid eating too much, especially if I'm not as active as normal, whether due to chemo, radiation or surgery. I did lose a lot of weight initially due to worry but I gained about half of it back over time.

abita

tishy said:

Stage 4 spread

My sister is 61 and has just been diangosed with colorectal cancer.  Some spread appearing in her liver.  Going to find out the p.m at the oncologist, to find out

how to treat.  I am worried as she won't eat, and sleeps all of the time,  Some degree of spitting up.  It has to be Stage 4 and I am really worried about the sleepig

and no appetite.  This sites gives me hope that once chemo starts she can get some appetite back.  Is this pretty normal?   She cannot get energy without food!

 

I just started chemo. I find

I just started chemo. I find that I don't feel hungry. But, I make food, and eat it anyway. I find that at the first bite, I realize I am starving. Not sure if that would work for her. 

I also have the leasions on the liver. I had surgery to remove the bowel tumor already. 

Annabelle41415

This is a Very Old Post

This is a very old post and should be started in a new thread if you want some more responses.

Kim

carrieh

Normal Is Relative

It sounds normal. Not everyone is affected in the same way...so many variables...age, health, how much chemo is given, what body systems are affected etc... It's important to listen to one's body and rest when rest is needed. Cancer is exhausting. There are days I have to sleep. I couldn't do the simplest task without fainting...and there are days I can do chores for an hour or two, then get by with lying down and resting before getting up again. I don't think there's any such thing as normal anymore when it comes to cancer...just mention it to your onc. Fatique is one of the hardest side effects because there isn't really a treatment for it. It can last long after chemo...but it can improve with time.