Chemo and sleepiness

mom2greatkids
mom2greatkids Member Posts: 528
in Ovarian Cancer #1
HI Ladies. I just took treatment number 3 on Tuesday (9th) I had carbo, taxol, and avaistan. I've had a few body aches, some diarrhea, but extreme sleepiness. It's like I can't keep my eyes open at times. I've already taken 2 naps today. Where's my energy? LOL! I want to give my body what it needs, but at the same time I don't want to fully give into this nagging fatigue. Has anyone else had this problem? It's like I can take a nap, wake up and feel fairly well. Then go check the mail, and I feel really tired again. Thanks Ladies!

Carla

Comments

  • kikz
    kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member
    #2
    During this time
    it is so important to listen to your body. If it needs rest then rest. This treatment takes a toll and you have to take care of yourself. You will get your strength back once it's over. I wish you well on your way to recovery.

    Karen
  • sarahb74
    sarahb74 Member Posts: 81 Member
    #3
    If you are on carbo/taxol
    I think it's quite normal to feel fatigue. I did. It generally lasted for 4 - 5 days at the beginning then it got worse towards the end of treatment as it's supposed to be cumulative. I tried to have at least a short walk most days but didn't force myself if I couldn't. Your body will tell you what to do and it's probably best to go along with whatever your body is telling you and get lots of sleep.
  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #4
    I am on the same round of
    I am on the same round of chemo and have the same problem I just give in to it and take as many naps as my body needs

    Anne
  • mom2greatkids
    mom2greatkids Member Posts: 528
    #5
    AnneBehymer said:

    I am on the same round of
    I am on the same round of chemo and have the same problem I just give in to it and take as many naps as my body needs

    Anne

    Guess that's what I'm going
    Guess that's what I'm going to have to do. I told my sister that it's a strange kind of tired. Not like the tired one feels after working hard or traveling or something. I have still done very well with my treatments though. I did walk a mile tonight. I feel a little stronger right now. I am having some body aches, mostly my legs and shoulders.
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    #6
    mom2greatkids said:

    Guess that's what I'm going
    Guess that's what I'm going to have to do. I told my sister that it's a strange kind of tired. Not like the tired one feels after working hard or traveling or something. I have still done very well with my treatments though. I did walk a mile tonight. I feel a little stronger right now. I am having some body aches, mostly my legs and shoulders.

    Chemo tired
    You are describing what I call "chemo tired"--unfortunately, the tiredness lasts for a long time, even when the chemo is finished. There isn't much you can do but rest when you need to rest.

    I think it is actually good to be tired even though it is frustrating that you can't be very productive or keep up with your old life. Healing takes energy and just imagine your energy is going into healing yourself.

    (((hugs)))

    Carolen
  • childofthestars
    childofthestars Member Posts: 251 Member
    #7
    Tiredness
    Hi Carla
    Yep unfortunately tiredness was one of the things that got to me BIG TIME. I'm normally an extremely active person and hate 'resting' but when i had my double treatment every third week i would literally be asleep for the whole weekend, it was almost impossible to wake me!!! I think tho the best thing to do is listen to your body and if you have to 'give in' at the moment then that's the best thing for you. Before you know it your treatment will be over and you can start getting back to your normal self again.
    Take care.
    Michelle x
  • cfont11
    cfont11 Member Posts: 115
    #8
    Fatigue
    I had carbo/taxol, no avistan and I was extremely tired after each treatment. I am done with treatment now and still tired. Dr. said it can take up to 1 year to get full energy back. Best thing to do is to stay active when you can. I have started an exercise program for cancer patients and it helps alot. During treatment, rest when your body tells you to and do things when you are up to it.
  • mom2greatkids
    mom2greatkids Member Posts: 528
    #9
    Thanks ladies. I am feeling
    Thanks ladies. I am feeling quite a bit better today. I didn't even take a nap today, so hopefully I'm on the right track again. Carla
  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338
    #10
    chemo fatique
    You described it very well. I usually feel like I've aged 20 years over night. It's a fatique that is like no other and it takes as long as it takes to start to get your strength back. I try to have patienece, but it's so very hard. The time that's the hardest for me is when I start to feel better at home and really want to get OUT. I've found that if I do better if someone else does the driving for those first "feeling some stronger days". That way if I overexert myself, I and everyone else gets home safely.
    ((((HUGS)))) Maria
  • Susan777
    Susan777 Member Posts: 97 Member
    #11
    Hi Carla
    Sounds like we are on the same chemo schedule. I did my 3rd of 6 chemos on the 4th of August and I am soooo tired all the time. I have a small amount of energy in morning, but I am ready for a nap in the late morning and late afternoon. It is really frustrating when I want to do things. My little grandson came in my room and laid down with me and said "Nanny...i hate cancer". I havent been able to do anything with him this summer....this is my "bummer summer"! Oh well....only 3 treatments to go1

    Susan
  • mom2greatkids
    mom2greatkids Member Posts: 528
    #12
    Susan777 said:

    Hi Carla
    Sounds like we are on the same chemo schedule. I did my 3rd of 6 chemos on the 4th of August and I am soooo tired all the time. I have a small amount of energy in morning, but I am ready for a nap in the late morning and late afternoon. It is really frustrating when I want to do things. My little grandson came in my room and laid down with me and said "Nanny...i hate cancer". I havent been able to do anything with him this summer....this is my "bummer summer"! Oh well....only 3 treatments to go1

    Susan

    We are on the same schedule.
    We are on the same schedule. I am much better today. Yesterday I didn't take a nap. My first 2 treatments were almost like non-events. My dr. has already said I will have to be on maintenance chemo after these treatments are up. Oh well. Best wishes to you Susan.
  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #13
    mom2greatkids said:

    We are on the same schedule.
    We are on the same schedule. I am much better today. Yesterday I didn't take a nap. My first 2 treatments were almost like non-events. My dr. has already said I will have to be on maintenance chemo after these treatments are up. Oh well. Best wishes to you Susan.

    I have my third treatment
    I have my third treatment tomorrow I have heard the third one is really hard and I am sooooo not looking forward to it. I never really look forward to any of them the day before I get really scared. I feel like I am being a baby about the treatments lol but it is how I feel. I do think alot of us are on the same schedule I will be praying for all of you.

    Anne
  • mom2greatkids
    mom2greatkids Member Posts: 528
    #14
    AnneBehymer said:

    I have my third treatment
    I have my third treatment tomorrow I have heard the third one is really hard and I am sooooo not looking forward to it. I never really look forward to any of them the day before I get really scared. I feel like I am being a baby about the treatments lol but it is how I feel. I do think alot of us are on the same schedule I will be praying for all of you.

    Anne

    Anne, I found the 3rd
    Anne, I found the 3rd treatment harder. I had mine last Tuesday (9th). By Sunday I was feeling quite a bit harder. However, I have not needed an afternoon nap the past 3 days. Best wishes!! And yes, we all get scared, or I know that I do.
  • Licha
    Licha Member Posts: 21
    #15
    Sleepiness
    I had same symtoms after a chemo but only for three days, my doctor told me once "You need to rest when your body tells you" you will be ok, Im on chemo number 4, still 2 more and hopefully it will be ficnish by sept 13. Hang in there and I wish you the best.

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