Fatigue

ccanon
ccanon Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hello all,

My relative (stage IV colon cancer, dx summer 2004) has gone through
many cycles of FOLFOX and, after the cancer finally progressed, is now
on 5 FU + Leucovorin + Irinotecan. At his last CT scan, they found
that much of his liver has been overtaken by the cancer.

My main concern right now is his fatigue. He's been very very tired
lately and has even come close to fainting. This started before he
began this new chemo protocol and it doesn't seem to be getting any
better. Is this fatigue related to the state of his liver? Is there
anything that can be done for the fatigue?

I'm very worried and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • JADot
    JADot Member Posts: 709 Member
    #2
    Hi there,

    I am so sorry to hear about the tough time your relative going through.

    Fatigue is a big part of chemo effects. We all have it, to varying degrees. There's no much you can do about it except to sleep a lot. That said, having lots of liver mets would fundamentally affect his metabolism, I am sure that has a lot to do with his being tired. I think you really need to talk to his oncologist to see if there's anything they can do to help keep the mets under control.

    Good luck to you!

    Ying
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #3
    JADot said:

    Hi there,

    I am so sorry to hear about the tough time your relative going through.

    Fatigue is a big part of chemo effects. We all have it, to varying degrees. There's no much you can do about it except to sleep a lot. That said, having lots of liver mets would fundamentally affect his metabolism, I am sure that has a lot to do with his being tired. I think you really need to talk to his oncologist to see if there's anything they can do to help keep the mets under control.

    Good luck to you!

    Ying

    I agree, after each infusion, I slept 2 days almost round the clock....the body is trying to recover and fight this 'invading' chemical stuff...and then, it sort of gives up...
    then you get tired!
    Hugs, kathi
  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 Member Posts: 818 Member
    #4
    Hi ccanon,

    Everyone is right about the fatigue. Another thing you might check is his blood pressure. Is your relative on meds for blood pressure. I have had problems with dizziness when my blood pressure was very low. It just happened about a week ago. I couldn't even stand up. I usually take meds for my bp but the chemo make my bp lower and if I take my meds it gets worse. I'm stage 3 and on folfox right now. Good luck and HUGS for you and your family.

    Lisa
  • secharris
    secharris Member Posts: 1
    #5
    Fainting and fatigue

    M wife started her chemo a month or so ago.  Had the treatment on Wednesday, fainted on Saturday.  Slept constantly until a week after first treamtne.t  Had her 2nd treatment on Wednesday, fainted again on Saturday.  It's Monday now and sleeping soundly.  So tired.  A bath in epsom salt helps the pain in the legs and feet for a few moments.  Called the doc.  First time her head hit the floor and had to get a CT Scan. She is okay, this time head hit the carpet but my hand cushioned the fall somewhat.  Very scary stuff.  No warning when fainting arrives.

     

  • NewHere
    NewHere Member Posts: 1,428 Member
    #6
    Fatigue Here Also

    Paert of chemo for me.  Starts the day after disconnect from pump.  A bit deceiving on the second day for me (after disconnect) which turns out to be today.  Was able to make it about two hours awake today, before sleeping again.  Up now for a brief bit, but will just give in and rest again shortly.  I am probably out for about 36-40 hours out of the 48 after disconnect.  Almost pulled up part of the floor on the kitchen today to nap when making some tea. Thought I was that tired.  

  • Helen321
    Helen321 Member Posts: 1,460 Member
    #7
    During treatment I was so

    During treatment I was so fatigued my fatigues had fatigue.  I must have slept for hours sometimes.  Naps all the time.  The best person to discuss the concerns with is a doctor though.  If it seems like more than fatigue from treatment.

  • sdp
    sdp Member Posts: 181
    #8
    Maybe u need to  check the

    Maybe u need to  check the liver profile and also bilirubin , ggt, and renal functions

     

    In case of bile blockage these values may be helpful for planning treatment

     

     

  • Easyflip
    Easyflip Member Posts: 588 Member
    #9
    Fatigue

    was a big side effect for me, especially right after infusion. There really is no treatment and he should just rest.

    Easyflip/Richard

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