Help with fatigue?

jsabol
jsabol Member Posts: 1,145 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi all, I know this must be old news for some of you veterans, and I almost feel like a baby complaining. I just finished tx #4 of 5FU and Leuco, with only one very short lived episode of diarrhea so far (thank goodness for immodium). I am now back to work for 2 weeks (4 seven hour days is my regular schedule). This weekend and today I can't seem to shake this fatigue. I am trying to limit my activity, but with a husband, 2 kids and a dog and cat, there is always something to do. Any tips on getting ahead of the tiredness? My H and H and iron count are holding. Thanks, Judy

Comments

  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #2
    Ahoy, Judith -

    Fatigue is part of just about everyone's gameplan. I read recently that exercise will actually help you regain some of your energy. Watch your hematacrit # - that will be a good indicator if you need some meds or a transfusion. I needed a couple transfusions - they definitely gave me a jump start!

    Nothing wrong with turning the chores over to your support net (hubby & kids) and crashing early. Don't be afraid to ask if the help doesn't seem forthcoming. It's not an admission that you're sick or unable to function, it's recognition that you're on meds that will make you tired and you need some rest.

    Hang in there! If you've made it this far without much diarhea or fatigue, you're ROCKING!
  • nanuk
    nanuk Member Posts: 1,358 Member
    #3
    Hi Judiths: I remember when I was on 5fu infusion-(pump) & radiation it was all I could do some days to get out of bed.. A few things that helped were drinking a lot of water, and exercising every day; I had a set of floor exercises, mostly stretches, and a walking course
    marked out. tried to do these every day, and it seemed to reinforce my will..I felt if I could do this exercise, I was OK..the routine was reassuring, and seemed to help my energy levels. Also ate lots of liver and smoothies with protein
    powder and supplements. Sneak a nap if you can..bud
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #4
    nanuk said:

    Hi Judiths: I remember when I was on 5fu infusion-(pump) & radiation it was all I could do some days to get out of bed.. A few things that helped were drinking a lot of water, and exercising every day; I had a set of floor exercises, mostly stretches, and a walking course
    marked out. tried to do these every day, and it seemed to reinforce my will..I felt if I could do this exercise, I was OK..the routine was reassuring, and seemed to help my energy levels. Also ate lots of liver and smoothies with protein
    powder and supplements. Sneak a nap if you can..bud

    Hey, em -

    You have a recepie for a liver smoothie? YUM YUM!
  • pattieb
    pattieb Member Posts: 168
    #5
    spongebob said:

    Hey, em -

    You have a recepie for a liver smoothie? YUM YUM!

    Hey SB
    I hope you are going to put some rum in that. lol
    Pattie
  • rep801
    rep801 Member Posts: 26
    #6
    With the number of treatments you have had, your hemoglobin numbers maybe starting to drop, discuss Procrit with your oncologist. It may take a month to rebuild your hemoglobin, but the time invested can impact your fatigue.

    Not trying to sound like the TV commericial, but Procrit had a positive impact for me.

    Bob
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #7
    pattieb said:

    Hey SB
    I hope you are going to put some rum in that. lol
    Pattie

    Now pattie -

    you KNOW rum is made from sugar cane... how can I in good conscience put SUGAR into a healthy liver smoothie? What would emily say?

    BUT!! as i recall veggies are good... corn is a veggie... whiskey is made from corn... hops and barley are veggies.... GRAPES are good fruit... juniper berries are all natural...
  • pattieb
    pattieb Member Posts: 168
    #8
    spongebob said:

    Now pattie -

    you KNOW rum is made from sugar cane... how can I in good conscience put SUGAR into a healthy liver smoothie? What would emily say?

    BUT!! as i recall veggies are good... corn is a veggie... whiskey is made from corn... hops and barley are veggies.... GRAPES are good fruit... juniper berries are all natural...

    mmmmmm SB sounds good
    Pattie
  • 2bhealed
    2bhealed Member Posts: 2,064 Member
    #9
    spongebob said:

    Hey, em -

    You have a recepie for a liver smoothie? YUM YUM!

    SB

    EVERYONE knows onions go with liver!! Duh.

    and of course you have to smother it all with catsup. Go for it. Get your blender moving!
  • bryancarson
    bryancarson Member Posts: 47
    #10
    I too was tired at the end of my treatments, and you're almost done! I talked to my Dr. about my fatigue and she said some of it was from decreased blood count numbers, but a lot of it was from just fighting this horrible disease. I held up my energy for about four months, then the last 8 weeks were absolute hell. I worked full time during my treatment, but I had to call in more during the end. There is nothing wrong with rest. I know that it can make you feel useless and unproductive, but listen, this is part of it. Rest when you need it and work when you can. Ask for help even if you feel like it makes you sound weak. This is a HUGE disease that you are fighting and you are not only physically drained, but mentally and spiritually also. Allow someone to take care of you. If you are like me, you wanted to be the normal, self-sufficient person that you were a year ago. That will come back in time, trust me, but right now, allow those that love you to do what they do best, take care of you.

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