Post-Chemo effects

inkblot said:

Hi Jeanette:

I don't know very much about post chemo fatigue but I do know that during chemo, the more I could do, the better I felt. I'd push myself some days to take a walk in the woods or circle the lake 5 times or whatever, even though I didn't always feel up to it. I was careful not to over exert myself but found that when I stuck to a daily routine of some physical exercise, I felt much better. I know it sounds strange to exercise when one is already tired but it did help and my level of fatigue never really became an issue, during or after treatment. Just those few days following infusion, when I'd need to rest more and would seem to need extra sleep.

It may be a good idea to have your onc. check your counts. Could be, if yours became very low during treatment, they have not yet rebounded enough to provide the energy your body needs. I'm assuming that you're scheduled for a 3 month check up with your onc. at which time they'll check your counts too. Since you're very fatigued though, it may be wise to have them checked now. Another thought is that if you are in "chemopause", some of the fatigue may be related to that as well. Ask your doctor.

An idea for the dry, itchy skin: try Hydrophillic ointment. The stuff works wonders with regular use. It's pure and contains no perfumes, etc..If you don't see it on the shelf in your drug store, ask your pharmacists and he/she will know what it is and should be able to get it for you. (It isn't very expensive) I apply it just after showers/baths and after just a few weeks use, it softens the skin remarkably. I really rely on it during the dry, winter months. It can feel a bit heavy at first, if you're accustomed to using thinner lotions and creams. I find that it dissipates fairly soon though and is well worth the effort. My pharmacist keeps a sample jar in the drugstore and offers it to people with dry, itchy skin or eczema like conditions. He just fills a good sized pill bottle to the top and people can take it home and try it out before buying a big jar. Of course, he can be thoughtful that way for customers/friends, because he is an independent. Chain drugstores would probably faint at the very idea of giving product away like that! If you want a "trial run" I'd suggest trying an independent pharmacy first, as you may have a better result with such a request.

Good luck and hope I've been of some small help.

Love, light and laughter,
Ink

bullfrog13 said:

Dear 7fergie
Jeanette, I agree with Ink. You should have your counts done. At least of that is the problem you will know for sure and you can deal with it from the medical end.

Either way it just may be taking you some time to bounce back. You have to remember your body has just been thought a VERY rough time and has worked harder than it probably every has in your life so it needs time to "regroup"

I am so stubborn that I pushed myself and did not listen to my body. The day after my last treatment I was so determened to be "ALL BETTER" and "COMPLETELY WELL" and that I was going to lose all the wieght I had gained while on those stupid steroids. I joined a exercise class the next week and trust me this poor OLD BODY was just not ready. I gave myself some time, and rejoined a few months later and now I go at least 3 times a week and I actually feel worse when I dont go-----who knew??

Give yourself some time, trust me-learn from my mistakes-dont push it. This too shall pass.

Much luck and God Bless
Jerilyn
Jerilynfrog13@yahoo.com