Sleepy, tired, exhausted, forgetful, yes sometimes depressed

Hi, 

I am so sorry to hear you are feeling this way...it was several years ago but my husband was at one time on this regimen tratment as well. I know that somewhere along the line (hes been on different treatments for relapsed/refractory myeloma for over 10 years now) anyhow, he had his Vitamin D levels checked and they were extremely low. His doctor recommended he take Calcium and Vit. D daily (more than the usual dosage of D) and it did make some difference in over all feeling of well-being and fatique (which is not uncommon)

I too am in treatment for a different cancer but take daily Calcium, Vit D as well as iron to supplement my (what I think to be) a pretty healthy diet. I can really notice a difference if I slack off on these  when if so, I too am really tired and out of sorts.

Its also easy to get caught up in certain behaviors and even when they aren't positive, they become oddly comfortable because we are used to them and know what to expect. Are you able to take a brief step out of your own comfort zone, take a walk in the sun, go somewhere where that crowd you speak of lingers and say "hello"...

Sorry I don't have a magical healing wand, but know that wherever you are, you are not alone in this. Please stay in touch and consider discussing not only your physical concerns with your doctor, but any feeling of emotional unwellness also and come back to let us know how you are doing soon!

katheryn

Hi,

It sounds as though you have some positive ways to balance the side effects of this journey, and I will pray that they keep you moving forward in health for many many years to come!

I was initially dx in 2011 with stage 3b anal cancer. Believe me, treatment for this cancer requires ALL modesty to be thrown out the window and at times is very difficult to explain to others. Imagine 35 to 40 radiation treatments to that and surrounding areas and the horrific related pain. On top of that an aggressive course of chemo and in my case surgery. Yikes! I was sick. This all came just 1 year after my husbands dx of Multiple Myeloma for which his first treatment was a stem cell transplant.

A year after my first dx I was dx with a rare breast cancer. From then on, until today, my husband and I have ping-ponged with recurrances. I have had 2 mets to my lung/air way treated by combinations of surgery, chemo, radiation, and for the past year and a half been feeling great! I will be scanned again in August but hopeful for no unexpected surprises. I too feel grateful and blessed for the life I DO have, as there are far too many without the quality I have. I am active, travel, volunteer in my community, and have a wonderful supportive family and group of friends.

My husband also has had his myeloma become active off and on over the years, and he has now had a bone marrow transplant, surgery, radiation, and more chemo or immunotherapy treatments than many. After a terrific family vacation to the beach last summer, in the fall he was dx with another relapse after a broken arm and collar bone leading to his current chemo and radiation. Right now he has a mix of good days and some not so much, but we have both learned that neither last for ever so try to genuinely appreciate the good in all.

I will surely have you and your family in my prayers for more good days than bad and peace in all.

katheryn

Before and after stem cell transplant I don't have problem with any of your symptoms. During 6 cycles before transplant, after chemo I just go back to work.