Fatigue

beccabtown

I had my 5th round of Carbo/Taxol about a week ago, the 2nd chemo since finishing radiation (28 external & 3 brachy). I am finally dealing with the fatigue that everyone has warned me about since beginning chemo. I went out on Saturday but since then have been more and more tired, to the point that I get winded walking from one room to another. I know that one problem is that I haven't been eating enough. Am now making more of an effort to eat some high-protein foods regularly and drink Ensure and Gatorade. Have been letting myself rest as much as I want. I'm lucky that I have family who can bring me food and groceries.

My blood counts were somewhat low last week, but not enough to prevent me from having chemo.

I hope this is going to pass soon, because I really do not want to get knocked off track for finishing chemo on schedule. I was encouraged by all the comments about how quickly one's blood counts can bounce back.

Does anyone have advice about ways to deal with this or how long it might last?

janaes

I would say to be patient

I would say to be patient with yourself as you push towards the end.  Do the best you can.  You will make it.  I needed alot of support toward the end of chemo to keep me going.  I too feared that the doctor would have to put off my last chemo because my blood count.  One of the first things i said to him when i walked into his office was tell me what my blood count is so i now i can get this done today.  Mine was low but i remember him saying to me since this is your last one we are still going to do it.  What a relief.  Becca I am Thinking of  you as you reach the end. 

MAbound

Fatigue

It seemed like the fatigue lasted progressively longer after each treatment for me. By the end I only had a day or 2 before the next infusion before I felt better again. Baby yourself during this and just let things wait if you can. Be careful about your exposure to germs and viruses this time of year, too! Hang in there, the end is in sight!

Hugs!

NoTimeForCancer

Becca, my two cents?  Don't

Becca, my two cents?  Don't fight the fatigue - let yourself sleep.  Rest is restorative and you have earned it.  It does get better.  

Lou Ann M

Hi, Becca

Fatigue is such a part of this rollercoaster ride we are on.  Mine did gradually get progressively worse, but so did my blood counts.  Nuelasta kept my white count at a passable level, but I had a lot of problems with my platelets and red/hemoglobin counts.  My first oncologist told me that if it worked he would tell me to eat liver and turnips, but that chemo caused low counts had to improve on there own.  Rest and let your body recover.  I had to postpone treatments more than once.  I didn't like it at all and felt like a naughty school girl being sent home, but in the long run it didn't make much difference.  A friend whose husband died from lung cancer told me once that fatigue was nothing like being tired and boy was she right.

Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

ConnieSW

Yep,

you just gotta resign yourself to it.  I was very much a couch potato towards the end of treatment.  I never dreamed I could lie around so much.  I didn't t even read and that's definitely not me.  Your body is doing the best it can for you.  Listen to it.

Nellasing

Me too.... and beyond

I was also getting more fatigue but what has supprised me is that after I was finished I just kept getting more and more fatigued and weak- I was given the same advice you are being given and that is to just listen to your body and rest as much as possible- we really have been through A LOT by the time we get to the end of frontline- most have had major surgery, chemo and radiation and our poor bodies have been working overtime processing all the damage, chemicals, rad etc. it's no wonder we are exhausted and not bouncing back.  Our bodies are tired and just because our treatment is over doesn't mean our bodies get to take a break, they still are doing all their daily duties to keep us going.  Be kind and gentle with yourself- you will make it and we'll be cheering  (((HUGS)))

Soup52

I'm in agreement with all the

I'm in agreement with all the others. The chemo was progressive. Each time it took a little longer to get back my strength. I think it was almost a week after the last one. Hang in there; you are almost done.

TeddyandBears_Mom

Yep! The fatigue was the

Yep! The fatigue was the hardest part. And, like Connie, I couldn't even read.

There is nothing more important than giving your body time to heal. Rest, listen and be kind to yourself.

It does take months for most people to get back to a decent level of energy. Some are lucky and bounce back faster. It took me about 6 months to feel almost normal and I am just about a year out from chemo and still need some rest periods after a few days of major activities. My oncologist said 12 to 18 months to get to the new normal levels...

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

Kvdyson

As counterintuitive as it

As counterintuitive as it sounds, keeping active is what helps me bounce back from fatigue. I walk as often as I can. Right after surgery, when I could barely get out of the hospital bed, I worked my way up to walking a few laps around the hospital wing. During treatment, when I felt bone-tired, I walked around my neighborhood every day. I still walk a few miles every day - rain or shine. I always feel better and more energized afterwards. If walking isn't for you, maybe you can try some stretching exercises or some light yoga? It may be hard to get started but once you get going, it may just work for you, too.

EZLiving66

It's a year today since my

It's a year today since my last chemo and I still feel the fatigue.  Part is age, I know, but I truly believe my body was severely damaged by the chemo and I will probably never get back to where I was.  At least I can read again and keep the characters straight.  Working my 12 hours a week has also helped because it makes me use my brain but physically, by 9:00 p.m. I can hardly drag myself to bed.  I need 10 hours of sleep to function.  I've talked to several ladies my age who are five and six years past chemo and the one thing they all said was the fatigue never truly goes away.

Love,

Eldri

survivingsu

Check Thyroid levels just in case if you have continuous fatigue

In my experience I expected fatigue after my treatment, but it just wouldn't go away.  I talked to my doctors and they checked my thyroid level and it had tanked!  Medication helps it to be within the normal range again.  Beats me if my thyroid tanked because it's common, my age, or perhaps going through cancer treatment, or a combination.  It doesn't hurt to ask just in case, it's a very simple blood test.

Wishing you the very best!!!

Susan

EZLiving66

survivingsu said:

Check Thyroid levels just in case if you have continuous fatigue

In my experience I expected fatigue after my treatment, but it just wouldn't go away.  I talked to my doctors and they checked my thyroid level and it had tanked!  Medication helps it to be within the normal range again.  Beats me if my thyroid tanked because it's common, my age, or perhaps going through cancer treatment, or a combination.  It doesn't hurt to ask just in case, it's a very simple blood test.

Wishing you the very best!!!

Susan

I've taken synthroid since I

I've taken synthroid since I was seven but the chemo caused my levels to tank and my GP has upped the dosage again and I have to go back the end of the month for another blood test to see if she upped it enough.  I'm at 137 right now, up from 112.  

Love,

Eldri

survivingsu

EZLiving66 said:

It's a year today since my

It's a year today since my last chemo and I still feel the fatigue.  Part is age, I know, but I truly believe my body was severely damaged by the chemo and I will probably never get back to where I was.  At least I can read again and keep the characters straight.  Working my 12 hours a week has also helped because it makes me use my brain but physically, by 9:00 p.m. I can hardly drag myself to bed.  I need 10 hours of sleep to function.  I've talked to several ladies my age who are five and six years past chemo and the one thing they all said was the fatigue never truly goes away.

Love,

Eldri

Takes a long time!

Hi Eldri,

Please don't get discouraged, one year out from chemo is not long after all...I found somethings took longer than a year to get back to "normal", but can improve long after chemo.  As I recall (it's been 7 years since my chemo/radiation/surgery), it took 2 to 3 years to fully get my stamina back, get my digestion/guts back, achyness better, fatique erased, etc. 

Wishing you the very best,

Susan

EZLiving66

survivingsu said:

Takes a long time!

Hi Eldri,

Please don't get discouraged, one year out from chemo is not long after all...I found somethings took longer than a year to get back to "normal", but can improve long after chemo.  As I recall (it's been 7 years since my chemo/radiation/surgery), it took 2 to 3 years to fully get my stamina back, get my digestion/guts back, achyness better, fatique erased, etc. 

Wishing you the very best,

Susan

Thanks, Susan.  I am hopeful

Thanks, Susan.  I am hopeful that I will continue to feel better as time goes by but sometimes it's just so discouraging.  I know every year that goes by, it gets better, but it also means I get a year older >< .  But, I'm glad to be alive and am enjoying whatever time I have left.

Love,

Eldri

Kaleena

As the others have said, don't fight the fatigue.   I just told my husband the same thing.  He had chemo and surgery and he thinks because its been 4-6 weeks he should be back to not having to take naps.   I had surgery in December 2015 and it took me until August that I realized that I wasn't fatigued.  It takes a lot out of you.   Its frustrating and at times can be depressing.  But it will gradually get better.   Hang in there!

Kathy

Prissy777

The fatigue is hardest near

The fatigue is hardest near the end of treatment.  Rest.