Extremely tired after first chemo treatment

ahhhh Ralphie I am sorry you feel so badly.  I think you will find it is not always this bad.  Do not forget the fear that comes along with the first treatment.  I think most of us are pretty scared wondering what this"poison" they are pouring into us will do to us.  I mean we all speculate like crazy on how we will do with chemo.  so for now just rest, relax...don't worry about it.  Next time you will know how the system works and I'll bet you might feel better.

someone else said a little walk and I think that is true.....I have done dozens and dozens of chemo treatments and found that just a little walk or some diversion ....well it sure does not make you feel worse and it probably makes us feel a little better.  Also I found positive imaging really helped me.....I would picture my chemo as a polar bear!!! this polar bear was very hungry and really ate a lot of cancer cells.......treat yourself to nice little things to eat and drink....feel better

love, maggie

My experience with that chemo was that I felt ok while wearing the pack, and then got steadily more wiped out for about a week after being disconnected.  Then I would start to feel better, and end up with about a week each cycle where I was able to function in a more normal fashion.  I was never 100%, but I did take short trips and work some during treatment.  I did find that the effect was cumulative...felt pretty crappy non-stop by the last couple of cycles.  But from what I've seen, most people start to feel better relatively quickly after finishing chemo.  It's not an easy journey.  Sending you strength to get through it.  Ann Alexandria

PS You mention diarrhea...I had a terrible problem with that and the only thing that worked was a prescription drug called Lomotil.  It was the last thing my doc tried and I had a pretty hellish stretch there until he did.  So just wanted to mention it in case this becomes a serious issue for you.

PSS It looks like "Forever16" up there is trying to sell a product, based on those links.  Just FYI for everyone.

wawaju04976 said:

My first treatment was the

My first treatment was the worst out of the four I have had so far. My second one it was like I had nothing. My third I was tired for a couple of days. My last one has been pretty uneventful (I have them every other week).

Judy

Judy, what treatment are you on?

Hi RalphieC,

 Sorry you are going through this.  I suspect things will get better.  Although this is not an easy journey, I strongly suggest writing these side effects down, report them to your oncologist when you go back, or even call before then.  It is always a good idea to report everything.  Your doctor may need to adjust medications as you go through this.  There are so many things that could play a part to your feeling so poorly. Dehydration and blood counts are often enough to make you feel worse than typical side effects. 

My very first treatment caused my WBC to go down so low that I needed nulasta shots each treatment.  This is pretty common. After that, I would be totally whipped out at least until I was disconnected from the pump.  Then I would slowly get my energy back, but never to what is was prior to treatments. I had to nap almost every afternoon and evening until several months after chemo ended.  I always made a point to eat as well as I could, as soon as I could, to gain strength back.  

This stuff takes a lot out of you...good and bad. Give yourself time to heal and recover from the hit it just took but be sure to talk to your doctor as well.

Best of luck and hope you feel better soon.

I had 12 Folfox treatments...did have to reduce the oxaliplatin by 25% by the 8th treatment because of neuropathy.  Treatment number 1 was the worst...wiped out for about a week... Vomit tin, nausea, and diarrhea.   The rest of my treatments I was fatigued a little most of the time...but by far the day after disconnect was the day I felt most tired.   Try to arrange your schedule so that disconnect is on a Friday...this way you have the weekend to recover.

Alex