Stage IV rectal cancer + very little energy during and after chemo treatments

korinachristensen
korinachristensen Member Posts: 1
in Anal Cancer #1

My husband was diagnosed with Stage IV rectal cancer which has spread to his liver, both lungs, lymph nodes, and his femur.    He is currently taking chemo treatments to help him with "quality of life".   My question is this:   Is it normal to be exhausted all the time.    He has had to quit working and has very little energy to do anything at all.   He tries to help around the yard, ect... but finds it completely wipes him out.    We will go for a walk to try and make sure his legs stay strong, but he comes home and falls right to sleep.   Any idea what is the reason for this and what I can do to help him?   

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    korinachristensen

    I'm very sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis.  While my cancer was localized and I had no metastases to other organs, I remember being totally exhausted while going through treatment.  My bedroom is on the second floor and I would have to sit on the stairs a couple of times when trying to go upstairs.  I couldn't believe how exhausted I was, as I am a very engergetic person.  Chemo knocked me on my butt!  So, I can understand why your husband has no energy--it is one of the most common side effects.  I also understand your concern and frustration.  It would be easy to say that he needs to eat the foods that will give him energy, however, when a person is getting chemo and is having lots of side effects, that is not easy.  I had absolutely NO appetite towards the end of my treatment.  If he has not tried various protein drinks, the ones that are also high in carbohydrates, you might try those.  The best people to pose your question to is his doctor/nurses.  I wish your husband and you all the best as you deal with the many issues associated with his treatment.  May God bless.

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    #3
    Yes

    I agree with Martha that it is normal to be that exhausted during treatment. Since he has very little energy I suggest he not push himself too hard, and have him spend his energy on the things that he really wants to do whether that's spending time with family, getting out of the house and going for a drive, etc. Sending good thoughts your way.

  • gwmiller3
    gwmiller3 Member Posts: 1
    #4
    colorectal cancer

    The fact that tiredness is a symptom isn't supprising.  I had chemo before and after my rectal surgery and wanted nothing to eat and could do nothing but sleep.  There was just no energy .  After chemo energy and appititewill slowly return.

  • Wisteria83
    Wisteria83 Member Posts: 160
    #5
    Exhaustion

    Korina,

    No one has mentioned this yet, but it's occured to me that besides the chemo making your husband so tired, it could possibly be depression as well.  Considering what he is dealing with, cancer and not being able to work and do the things he's used to doing, depression would be very understandable.  I suffer with it and I know from experience that during my darkest times, I do tend to sleep much more than usual, and I have almost no energy.  Going through cancer treatment did exacerbate my depression and anxiety issues.

    Men generally tend to not admit to being depressed, and maybe he is and doesn't even realize it himself.  It's something to think about and also to talk to his doctors about.  There are medications that can help and therapy also.  Are either or both of you getting any kind of counselling?  Most cancer treatment places offer psychological counselling if it's needed, and group therapy as well.  

    This has to be hell on you both.  I think depression is a normal response in his situation...and yours.  Just my 2 cents.

    My best to you both.

    ~Wis

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