my mom feels tired since she was diagnosed for breast cancer back in 1999
Comments
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Hi Debbie, I have had chemotherapy three different times, and yes it does make you tired and take a toll on your whole system. It has also made me an insomniac. It is difficult to sleep, ask your doctor for ambien for you mom to help her sleep. As far as tired, that comes and goes. Part of it is I think a depression in a way that cancer has a tendency to bring on in all of us. If your mom excersizes, have her take a walk and get moving that always helps, and will help with both issues. How is her diet??? If she would like, have her drink a nutritional energy drink. If she likes coffee, have her cut to decaf. If she is stating she does not want to be here, My guess would be depression. Have her talk with someone in regard to this. This journey that all of us here take not only as cancer survivors, but caregivers as well is a rocky one. You and she have come a long way. Keep smiling and laughing. Attitude plays alot into this. Try to stay positive. Ive been doing this dance since 1991, and all things considered... I wouldnt change a step. Hang tough. Best wishes to you and your mom. She is bless with a daughter like you. Hugs.0
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Sally. Thanks for your kind words. What nutritional energy drink is out there? Also i forget to mention she forgets alot. Her speech is slow and sometimes hard to understand at times and also that comes in with her tiredness. The doctor has made an appointment to see a specialist concerning her forgetfullness slow speech. Please reply!!sassysally said:Hi Debbie, I have had chemotherapy three different times, and yes it does make you tired and take a toll on your whole system. It has also made me an insomniac. It is difficult to sleep, ask your doctor for ambien for you mom to help her sleep. As far as tired, that comes and goes. Part of it is I think a depression in a way that cancer has a tendency to bring on in all of us. If your mom excersizes, have her take a walk and get moving that always helps, and will help with both issues. How is her diet??? If she would like, have her drink a nutritional energy drink. If she likes coffee, have her cut to decaf. If she is stating she does not want to be here, My guess would be depression. Have her talk with someone in regard to this. This journey that all of us here take not only as cancer survivors, but caregivers as well is a rocky one. You and she have come a long way. Keep smiling and laughing. Attitude plays alot into this. Try to stay positive. Ive been doing this dance since 1991, and all things considered... I wouldnt change a step. Hang tough. Best wishes to you and your mom. She is bless with a daughter like you. Hugs.
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Sally. Thanks for your kind words. What nutritional energy drink is out there? Also i forget to mention she forgets alot. Her speech is slow and sometimes hard to understand at times and also that comes in with her tiredness. The doctor has made an appointment to see a specialist concerning her forgetfullness slow speech. Please reply!!sassysally said:Hi Debbie, I have had chemotherapy three different times, and yes it does make you tired and take a toll on your whole system. It has also made me an insomniac. It is difficult to sleep, ask your doctor for ambien for you mom to help her sleep. As far as tired, that comes and goes. Part of it is I think a depression in a way that cancer has a tendency to bring on in all of us. If your mom excersizes, have her take a walk and get moving that always helps, and will help with both issues. How is her diet??? If she would like, have her drink a nutritional energy drink. If she likes coffee, have her cut to decaf. If she is stating she does not want to be here, My guess would be depression. Have her talk with someone in regard to this. This journey that all of us here take not only as cancer survivors, but caregivers as well is a rocky one. You and she have come a long way. Keep smiling and laughing. Attitude plays alot into this. Try to stay positive. Ive been doing this dance since 1991, and all things considered... I wouldnt change a step. Hang tough. Best wishes to you and your mom. She is bless with a daughter like you. Hugs.
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Hi Debbie. I totally agree with Sally. I was diagnosed two years ago, and I have trouble sleeping also. I take Ambien. I used to take a whole pill, but I am down to 1/3 tablet most nights. Your mom DOES need to exercise. That plus eating the right foods (chicken, turkey, veggies, fruit, wheat bread instead of white, lots of water, little or no caffeine) will help her feel better and sleep better. Not being able to sleep and the depression could be signs of menopause. Has she tried an antidepressant, like Zoloft or Welbutrin? That could help a lot. Plus, your mother needs to be taking a broad-spectrum vitamin, like Centrum A to Z. Let us know how she does. We are here to help each other. Hope things go better.
Marla0 -
Hi Debbie, there are quite a few nutritional drinks like Ensure and Boost. You can also ask your Pharmacist, Walmart also has there brand I think. As far as the forgetfulnes, we here in the cancer room call it "Chemo Brain" I forget things all the time. There are alot of factors. Age is one of them ( although I'm only 42.... at times which feels 110) Also, look in the soda section of your grocery store. They have energy type drinks there. Gatorade is also an option. Does your mom take vitamins? Try that as well. I really hope this helps. If you have any other questions, email me at rsmith2@new.rr.com.deb789 said:Sally. Thanks for your kind words. What nutritional energy drink is out there? Also i forget to mention she forgets alot. Her speech is slow and sometimes hard to understand at times and also that comes in with her tiredness. The doctor has made an appointment to see a specialist concerning her forgetfullness slow speech. Please reply!!
Sara aka Sally0 -
My mom has taken Ambien and the Zoloft. It did help about a week and then it wore off. The zoloft had a bad reation to my mom. So the doc said not to take that anymore. She need energy. I hope that Centrum a to z will help. Any more ideas on energy for my mom?marbleslab said:Hi Debbie. I totally agree with Sally. I was diagnosed two years ago, and I have trouble sleeping also. I take Ambien. I used to take a whole pill, but I am down to 1/3 tablet most nights. Your mom DOES need to exercise. That plus eating the right foods (chicken, turkey, veggies, fruit, wheat bread instead of white, lots of water, little or no caffeine) will help her feel better and sleep better. Not being able to sleep and the depression could be signs of menopause. Has she tried an antidepressant, like Zoloft or Welbutrin? That could help a lot. Plus, your mother needs to be taking a broad-spectrum vitamin, like Centrum A to Z. Let us know how she does. We are here to help each other. Hope things go better.
Marla0 -
Debbie, ask oncologist about effexor, that may help as well. Hang in there.deb789 said:My mom has taken Ambien and the Zoloft. It did help about a week and then it wore off. The zoloft had a bad reation to my mom. So the doc said not to take that anymore. She need energy. I hope that Centrum a to z will help. Any more ideas on energy for my mom?
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Hi Debbie,
I am happy to read that your Mom has not had a recurrance and has passed the important 5 year mark. However, it must be very hard for you to see her still suffering from her treatments and diagnosis from so long ago.
I am wondering if perhaps your mom isn't suffering from depression? The symptoms of depression are also very similar to what you are describing. The lack of sleep and weakness are all signs. I think that the diagnosis of cancer in itself is enough to push a mentally healthy individual into depression and is actually quite common. Has this been explored? The lack of estrogen due to menopause can also make someone have less energy and also have less sleep. I don't know if the chemotherapy should still have an effect on her since it was so long ago...but I am sure there are others out there where it has.
I hope things look up. She is truly blessed to have a wonderful caring daughter like you.
Peace, Ruth0 -
Hi, Deb... I too am a bc survivor... I had chemo/rads about 3 years ago. Now it has shown up in my bones...and I am undergoing some different medications. But wanted to tell you that I experienced a lot of what your mom is feeling. The fatigue, forgetfulness, not sleeping, depression. I am taking Effexor and Eperbel for the depression and they are great. I took Ambien for about 1 year to sleep. I am off that now and just use over the counter stuff when I need it. It does get better. Keep encouraging her, and if her doctor is not helping her, don't be afraid to have her see someone different for a second opinion. She has a lot to live for... I know! Sally (VA.)0
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Debbie:
My suggestion is that your Mom may benefit from a consult with a Geratrician or Gerontologist or both. These specialist may be more likely to find the causes for her symptoms than either general practitioners or oncologists. It's important that such a specialist be fully aware of her cancer history. Try to take records of her diagnosis, treatment and any follow up tests since she completed treatment, to the first appointment.
Depression can cause many of her symptoms and many of her symptoms can cause depression...sort of like the proverbial dog chasing its tail. I would question any doctor though whose initial approach to treating her symptoms was to prescribe iron and/or antidepressants without first doing indepth labs, a brain MRI (considering the slurred speech) and a complete physical with chest Xray, routine EKG and a thyroid panel.
Some of her symptoms may just be a lack of restful/refreshing sleep, but what's causing the lack of or poor quality sleep? I've never heard of either insomnia or depression causing slurred speech before, but the lack of restful, restorative sleep could certainly cause a multitude of other problems and pretty soon, one can no longer function or even have the wherewithal to find their way out of the fog.
Sometimes, people suffering from Vitamin B12 deficiency can have neurological symptoms, in addition to extreme fatigue. Is her diet healthy and balanced? Doctor's can give B12 shots to people diagnosed with this but only a blood test can confirm the deficiency and only a careful history of her diet, etc. can help find the cause. Depression can be caused by or exacerbated by this deficiency also.
Does your Mom work? Is she involved in things she enjoys and finds rewarding? Is she withdrawn? Does she spend much of her time at home or alone, maybe causing her to feel that the best of her life is behind her and that she has little to look forward to with anticipation? Aging, feeling isolated and being alone too much or being uninvolved in life can contribute to age related depression but it is seemingly treatable with some life style changes and/or medication. But that can't happen until everything else is ruled out with some careful assessment and investigation.
As long as she isn't having any shortness of breath, pains or dizziness, difficulty walking and doing her normal activities, I think the suggestion of daily walking is a great one. Just getting out into the sunshine can lift the spirits some and the walking can also improve ciruclation, help tone up the muscles, as well as helping to relieve fatigue. Check with her doctor for permission for her to begin a daily or every other day walking regimen. If her diet is poor, perhaps a consult with a nutritionist, following all the medical testing, would be a good idea.
She seems to be suffering terribly and that should be carefully addressed by a good, conscientious physician who takes her condition seriously and endeavours to get to the bottom of it.
Hoping you find the right help for her soon! Don't be hesitant to stand up and advocate for your Mom whenever the need arises. Doctor's can become distracted, tired, too busy or may just not be a good match with a particular patient sometimes, but if we stay on top of things and push when needed, we can remedy such problems.
Good wishes to both of you and your Mom is fortunate to have such a caring and devoted daughter in her corner! Hope you'll keep us posted.
Love, light and laughter,
Ink0 -
To Ink and the rest of the crew. Thanks for yall caring advice. Heres the deal. My mom has trouble remembering things again she lost count on 1 day. We had to take her to the emergency room again. Cause she was feeling tired, loss of sleep, slow on speech, and her walking was wobbling. We had to buy her a walker, so it can guide her. My mom doesnt remember the day she went to the emergency room. I was there and my dad. She said she doesnt remember. That scares me. The doctors performed again a ct scan and a chest xway and ekg on her. Everything came out fine. The doctor said she needs to make a appointment for a nuerlogist. A specialist that deals with her brain. Maybe i was wrong about her symptoms of chemo doing harm to her. I cant pin point the problem. Any advice !!!inkblot said:Debbie:
My suggestion is that your Mom may benefit from a consult with a Geratrician or Gerontologist or both. These specialist may be more likely to find the causes for her symptoms than either general practitioners or oncologists. It's important that such a specialist be fully aware of her cancer history. Try to take records of her diagnosis, treatment and any follow up tests since she completed treatment, to the first appointment.
Depression can cause many of her symptoms and many of her symptoms can cause depression...sort of like the proverbial dog chasing its tail. I would question any doctor though whose initial approach to treating her symptoms was to prescribe iron and/or antidepressants without first doing indepth labs, a brain MRI (considering the slurred speech) and a complete physical with chest Xray, routine EKG and a thyroid panel.
Some of her symptoms may just be a lack of restful/refreshing sleep, but what's causing the lack of or poor quality sleep? I've never heard of either insomnia or depression causing slurred speech before, but the lack of restful, restorative sleep could certainly cause a multitude of other problems and pretty soon, one can no longer function or even have the wherewithal to find their way out of the fog.
Sometimes, people suffering from Vitamin B12 deficiency can have neurological symptoms, in addition to extreme fatigue. Is her diet healthy and balanced? Doctor's can give B12 shots to people diagnosed with this but only a blood test can confirm the deficiency and only a careful history of her diet, etc. can help find the cause. Depression can be caused by or exacerbated by this deficiency also.
Does your Mom work? Is she involved in things she enjoys and finds rewarding? Is she withdrawn? Does she spend much of her time at home or alone, maybe causing her to feel that the best of her life is behind her and that she has little to look forward to with anticipation? Aging, feeling isolated and being alone too much or being uninvolved in life can contribute to age related depression but it is seemingly treatable with some life style changes and/or medication. But that can't happen until everything else is ruled out with some careful assessment and investigation.
As long as she isn't having any shortness of breath, pains or dizziness, difficulty walking and doing her normal activities, I think the suggestion of daily walking is a great one. Just getting out into the sunshine can lift the spirits some and the walking can also improve ciruclation, help tone up the muscles, as well as helping to relieve fatigue. Check with her doctor for permission for her to begin a daily or every other day walking regimen. If her diet is poor, perhaps a consult with a nutritionist, following all the medical testing, would be a good idea.
She seems to be suffering terribly and that should be carefully addressed by a good, conscientious physician who takes her condition seriously and endeavours to get to the bottom of it.
Hoping you find the right help for her soon! Don't be hesitant to stand up and advocate for your Mom whenever the need arises. Doctor's can become distracted, tired, too busy or may just not be a good match with a particular patient sometimes, but if we stay on top of things and push when needed, we can remedy such problems.
Good wishes to both of you and your Mom is fortunate to have such a caring and devoted daughter in her corner! Hope you'll keep us posted.
Love, light and laughter,
Ink0 -
Hi deb789:deb789 said:To Ink and the rest of the crew. Thanks for yall caring advice. Heres the deal. My mom has trouble remembering things again she lost count on 1 day. We had to take her to the emergency room again. Cause she was feeling tired, loss of sleep, slow on speech, and her walking was wobbling. We had to buy her a walker, so it can guide her. My mom doesnt remember the day she went to the emergency room. I was there and my dad. She said she doesnt remember. That scares me. The doctors performed again a ct scan and a chest xway and ekg on her. Everything came out fine. The doctor said she needs to make a appointment for a nuerlogist. A specialist that deals with her brain. Maybe i was wrong about her symptoms of chemo doing harm to her. I cant pin point the problem. Any advice !!!
Chemo and/or radiation "can" have early or late effects, particularly on the heart, lungs and other body systems. Not everyone gets late side effects and many who do often may not think to relate them to having had chemo years ago but the repeated research proves that late effects can show up as much as 20 years, post treatment.
There could be many reasons for your Mother's symptoms. Certain bug bites, particularly ticks and mosquitos. I read a paper not too long ago which showed several people who'd been bitten by mosquitos had gone on to have permanent disabilities, yet we don't hear too much about this possibility through the media. I'd just advise that the doctor's do blood work for the known insect borne illnesses which can cause some of her symptoms, just to be safe. Regardless of whether the cause is related to her cancer treatment, the cause must be found and addressed as soon as possible.
The referral to a neurologist sounds like a good place to start and hopefully it will reveal some
insight.
I know it must be awfully frustrating to see your Mom like this and not have a clue what the matter is. Just hang in there and be supportive (which you're obviously doing a wonderful job with already!) until your family can begin to get some answers.
Whatever the cause, I hope it's easily treatable and that your Mom will improve soon.
Please let us know how it's going.
Love, light and laughter,
Ink0 -
Hi Debbie, I am a cancer survivor that also battles fatigue. I am 58 years old I had breast cancer L-breast,stage 0 in 1984 and in 2003 R-breast stage 2. I fight fatigue and joint pain. I also have not gotten good answers from conventional doctors. I have reveived nutrition and supplement advice from DO's that specialize in treating imune defficencies. I have invested in a vita mixer. I make my own flour and cereals from whole grains, I make my own juices from organic fruits and vegestables, I eat only organic foods and meats that are harmonal free. All of this has helped me have more energy but I also need to take a strong multiple vitamin, omega 3 capsul and calcium. Chemo destroys a healty cells and radiation kills cells. This is tramatic to the body's system. Rebuilding the immune system is vital to being able to restore energy. Good nutrition, good supplements and exercise will help to put your mom back on track. I still have what I call flash backs, I will have 24 hour episodes when I feel like I did on my 3rd day after chemo. My 3rd day was my worst day I would have pain in very joint, my head pounded and I was too tired to move it was awful. But now I have these episodes less and less often. Remember cancer had been weakening the immune system for years before it was diagnoised and chemo desimates the immune system. It takes a lot of good nutrition, rest and exercise to rebuild. Evey person is unique and recovery is also unique, yes your mother can get more energy but may never get back to her energy level before her cancer experience. Chemo destroys the ovary's causing menapause. Your mother may have gone through surgical menapause, which can also compound energy recovery. This is what happened to me with my first fight with breast cancer. I suffered sudden menapsuse. Which brouht on fatigue, depression, heart palpations during and after chemo. It took me three years to get well from two surgeries, chemo and radiation and another three years to rebuild my system. This time I am going to stay on my rebuilding regiem for life. I have to do everyting I can to maintain a strong immune system. I wish you and your mother the best. I will be happy to share resource informaiton. SJF0
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