always tired

jgw7838
jgw7838 Member Posts: 17
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
im 42yrs old and i was just diagnosed with hnc on june 4th ,mostly my limp nodes ,have had 1 biopsy and having another aug 6th , my question is im always tired now and was never that way b4 , is it normal cause of the cancer or what? im a new to the site but have learned so much through other posts and members ,any info would be appreciated,thanks and god bless

Comments

  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    #2
    Info
    You don't provide a great deal of information. I would assume that, due to the area, your biopsy was surgical in nature? If so, it may be that you are suffering lingering fatigue due to that.

    I doubt that, though. Major surgery, yes. A biopsy...I have doubts. Of course, your age and health (beyond the cancer) are obvious contributors. You do not say.

    I would suggest that perhaps you are fatigued by the very notion of cancer. That is draining in and of itself.

    I advise that you read through previous posts of interest on this board, where you can learn about how others have experienced the very same shock and trauma and fear that you are probably experiencing, whether you care to admit it or not at this point.

    It does feel like a death sentence when you learn of it, at least the first time.

    Become educated about it; read posts here, go to peoples' sites and read their stories; educate yourself. I know that docs don't want you getting knowledge from the internet, and they advise that with good reason. I am not talking about the kind of misinformation that scares them, though. I am talking about experience, emotion, support.

    Read what you can here, accept what you will, and disregard the rest.

    There is support here.

    In the meantime, make sure that you are fit for whatever the future holds for you (the relatively short-term future, believe it or not, and I mean that in a good way: this shall pass, my friend). Eat well, exercise, quit smoking and drinking if they are currently part of your daily regimen, and LEARN.

    Best wishes to you and your family.

    Take care,

    Joe
  • jgw7838
    jgw7838 Member Posts: 17
    #3
    soccerfreaks said:

    Info
    You don't provide a great deal of information. I would assume that, due to the area, your biopsy was surgical in nature? If so, it may be that you are suffering lingering fatigue due to that.

    I doubt that, though. Major surgery, yes. A biopsy...I have doubts. Of course, your age and health (beyond the cancer) are obvious contributors. You do not say.

    I would suggest that perhaps you are fatigued by the very notion of cancer. That is draining in and of itself.

    I advise that you read through previous posts of interest on this board, where you can learn about how others have experienced the very same shock and trauma and fear that you are probably experiencing, whether you care to admit it or not at this point.

    It does feel like a death sentence when you learn of it, at least the first time.

    Become educated about it; read posts here, go to peoples' sites and read their stories; educate yourself. I know that docs don't want you getting knowledge from the internet, and they advise that with good reason. I am not talking about the kind of misinformation that scares them, though. I am talking about experience, emotion, support.

    Read what you can here, accept what you will, and disregard the rest.

    There is support here.

    In the meantime, make sure that you are fit for whatever the future holds for you (the relatively short-term future, believe it or not, and I mean that in a good way: this shall pass, my friend). Eat well, exercise, quit smoking and drinking if they are currently part of your daily regimen, and LEARN.

    Best wishes to you and your family.

    Take care,

    Joe

    THANKS
    the biopsy was surgical ,my left tonsil was removed also they are trying to pin point where it may have originated . im going for another biopsy on aug. 6th the previous one on july 15th showed negative to where it may of started, i have read alot of stories and continue to ,ive read your words of encouragement and i do appreciate it ,take care and god bless.,
    thank you ,

    john
  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    #4
    jgw7838 said:

    THANKS
    the biopsy was surgical ,my left tonsil was removed also they are trying to pin point where it may have originated . im going for another biopsy on aug. 6th the previous one on july 15th showed negative to where it may of started, i have read alot of stories and continue to ,ive read your words of encouragement and i do appreciate it ,take care and god bless.,
    thank you ,

    john

    Alright John
    Removal of a tonsil is major surgery. Give yourself a break, allow yourself to heal, to get past this. It is not so easy.

    I again go back to the emotional/psychological aspects, but now couple them with the physical. Give yourself a break.

    The fact they are still searching for a primary cannot be easy on the mind, John.

    Apparently, they sometimes never find the primary, or find it when it is most inconvenient for you. I'm just being candid here. The upside is that virtually all of the people I know on this site who are tonsil cancer survivors are doing quite well, better than me, to be honest, and I am not complaining.

    I'm hopeful that you have family and friends to provide support. It is true as you have probably read in this joint that they can't exactly understand what you are going through, but they are critical nonetheless. I hope you have them and I hope you understand how difficult they have it.

    In the meantime, again, eat well, exercise, HYDRATE, and be ready.

    On August 6, John, you will be in my thoughts.

    Take care,

    Joe
  • Fireman
    Fireman Member Posts: 39
    #5
    Always Tired
    I had tonsil cancer also. They first did a biopsy on my neck where the lump was growing which was not conclusive. They then removed both of my tonsils and found the cancer in my left tonsil. Having surgery, as Joe says, is a trauma to the body so it's normal to be a little tired as your body tries to heal itself. Rest and slowing you down is your bodies way of doing this. It can be stressful not knowing what's coming next. If you have to experience Chemo and or radiation, be prepared to be really tired. The thought of having cancer does mentally excercise your brain which in itself can make you feel tired. Get mentally prepared for what is to come by working closely with your medical team and your loved ones. Get physically prepared as was mentioned by getting good nutrition and excercise now. Start watching stuff that makes you laugh and that makes you happy. Your attitude will have so much to do with how you get through this. We're all pulling for a positve outcome for you.
  • jgw7838
    jgw7838 Member Posts: 17
    #6
    Fireman said:

    Always Tired
    I had tonsil cancer also. They first did a biopsy on my neck where the lump was growing which was not conclusive. They then removed both of my tonsils and found the cancer in my left tonsil. Having surgery, as Joe says, is a trauma to the body so it's normal to be a little tired as your body tries to heal itself. Rest and slowing you down is your bodies way of doing this. It can be stressful not knowing what's coming next. If you have to experience Chemo and or radiation, be prepared to be really tired. The thought of having cancer does mentally excercise your brain which in itself can make you feel tired. Get mentally prepared for what is to come by working closely with your medical team and your loved ones. Get physically prepared as was mentioned by getting good nutrition and excercise now. Start watching stuff that makes you laugh and that makes you happy. Your attitude will have so much to do with how you get through this. We're all pulling for a positve outcome for you.

    thank you
    i really appreciate the reply, i didnt know if it was just normal having the cancer or what. back in 1994 my dad passed away from prostate cancer and before he had even found out i noticed he wasnt as active, and iam like the same way ,even before the biopsy on the bump on my neck. well thank you though this is a very nice support group, very informative. god bless
    john
  • dennis318
    dennis318 Member Posts: 349 Member
    #7
    jgw7838 said:

    thank you
    i really appreciate the reply, i didnt know if it was just normal having the cancer or what. back in 1994 my dad passed away from prostate cancer and before he had even found out i noticed he wasnt as active, and iam like the same way ,even before the biopsy on the bump on my neck. well thank you though this is a very nice support group, very informative. god bless
    john

    9 months out
    Still get tired and need more sleep than ever 12-14 a day, I worked threw my treatments, had too, pay the bills, and paid the price, i work part time now and suffer sleeping my life away. i hope it gets better, Always tired, Had b_12 shots, and pills, anyone else want to offer some positive actions I can take. Thanks Dennis
  • fsdman
    fsdman Member Posts: 51
    #8
    dennis318 said:

    9 months out
    Still get tired and need more sleep than ever 12-14 a day, I worked threw my treatments, had too, pay the bills, and paid the price, i work part time now and suffer sleeping my life away. i hope it gets better, Always tired, Had b_12 shots, and pills, anyone else want to offer some positive actions I can take. Thanks Dennis

    I was like you ,Dennis.
    I was like you ,Dennis. Constant fatigue feeling. One day after about 10 mnonths I felt like working in the yard. It got better then fatigue again then better for a few days and so on... I am 18 months out now and get fatigue about 1 time every couple of weeks. Hang in and work out when you can .Just a little at first but the body will respond. I am 63 and feel great most of the time. Good luck.
    Bob
  • dennis318
    dennis318 Member Posts: 349 Member
    #9
    fsdman said:

    I was like you ,Dennis.
    I was like you ,Dennis. Constant fatigue feeling. One day after about 10 mnonths I felt like working in the yard. It got better then fatigue again then better for a few days and so on... I am 18 months out now and get fatigue about 1 time every couple of weeks. Hang in and work out when you can .Just a little at first but the body will respond. I am 63 and feel great most of the time. Good luck.
    Bob

    encouragement
    thanks for writing back, i struggle to get to a thanksgiving dinner yesterday and came back to bed, worst after day I have had, it just seemed the worst, It's like coming off a bad drug high, getting ready for work this am, and going to try to mentally get my @#$% together, you guys can do, there is no excuse for me, Later Dennis
  • SASH
    SASH Member Posts: 421 Member
    #10
    dennis318 said:

    encouragement
    thanks for writing back, i struggle to get to a thanksgiving dinner yesterday and came back to bed, worst after day I have had, it just seemed the worst, It's like coming off a bad drug high, getting ready for work this am, and going to try to mentally get my @#$% together, you guys can do, there is no excuse for me, Later Dennis

    Tired
    Have you had your Thyroid levels checked? If not talk to your doctor about it and ask for a TSH test to make sure your Thyroid is working properly. Many times radiation to the area damages the Thyroid and you may need a supplement to bring it back to optimal levels.

    Until I was on Thyroid meds for an under active Thyroid there were times I almost fell asleep in my dinner plate.
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #11
    SASH said:

    Tired
    Have you had your Thyroid levels checked? If not talk to your doctor about it and ask for a TSH test to make sure your Thyroid is working properly. Many times radiation to the area damages the Thyroid and you may need a supplement to bring it back to optimal levels.

    Until I was on Thyroid meds for an under active Thyroid there were times I almost fell asleep in my dinner plate.

    Good advice for you here
    Good advice for you here with the comments so far. Sash, I had to laugh at an image of you nodding off into your dinner plate. One night I watched my step mom fall asleep with a French Fry hanging out of her mouth.

    I think that after major surgery you may feel very tired for a while. I am still exhausted from radiation and I'm out a year and a half. Wishing you the best. Glad you found this site, so much good info to read. Wish I found it before I started rads. Best of luck to you.
  • dennis318
    dennis318 Member Posts: 349 Member
    #12
    sweetblood22 said:

    Good advice for you here
    Good advice for you here with the comments so far. Sash, I had to laugh at an image of you nodding off into your dinner plate. One night I watched my step mom fall asleep with a French Fry hanging out of her mouth.

    I think that after major surgery you may feel very tired for a while. I am still exhausted from radiation and I'm out a year and a half. Wishing you the best. Glad you found this site, so much good info to read. Wish I found it before I started rads. Best of luck to you.

    I Finallly did it
    My boss went after me this am again, her regular routine, I did everything but kiss her @##$$ she was to dedicated worker for keeper her business going. threw out the healthy years of my life. I know others have been beaten and bent, but I hope she gets what the good Lord has at the end for Her Life, I'll get there, and have my dissability coming next month. It's people like this that won't let you get well...My Day of Wellness Started Today!...When I said what I had to Say And Walked out that Backdoor For Good for the last time
  • dennis318
    dennis318 Member Posts: 349 Member
    #13
    sweetblood22 said:

    Good advice for you here
    Good advice for you here with the comments so far. Sash, I had to laugh at an image of you nodding off into your dinner plate. One night I watched my step mom fall asleep with a French Fry hanging out of her mouth.

    I think that after major surgery you may feel very tired for a while. I am still exhausted from radiation and I'm out a year and a half. Wishing you the best. Glad you found this site, so much good info to read. Wish I found it before I started rads. Best of luck to you.

    I Finallly did it
    My boss went after me this am again, her regular routine, I did everything but kiss her @##$$ she was to dedicated worker for keeper her business going. threw out the healthy years of my life. I know others have been beaten and bent, but I hope she gets what the good Lord has at the end for Her Life, I'll get there, and have my dissability coming next month. It's people like this that won't let you get well...My Day of Wellness Started Today!...When I said what I had to Say And Walked out that Backdoor For Good for the last time
  • Greend
    Greend Member Posts: 678
    #14
    dennis318 said:

    I Finallly did it
    My boss went after me this am again, her regular routine, I did everything but kiss her @##$$ she was to dedicated worker for keeper her business going. threw out the healthy years of my life. I know others have been beaten and bent, but I hope she gets what the good Lord has at the end for Her Life, I'll get there, and have my dissability coming next month. It's people like this that won't let you get well...My Day of Wellness Started Today!...When I said what I had to Say And Walked out that Backdoor For Good for the last time

    feels better doesn't it
    Hang in there Dennis
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #15
    dennis318 said:

    I Finallly did it
    My boss went after me this am again, her regular routine, I did everything but kiss her @##$$ she was to dedicated worker for keeper her business going. threw out the healthy years of my life. I know others have been beaten and bent, but I hope she gets what the good Lord has at the end for Her Life, I'll get there, and have my dissability coming next month. It's people like this that won't let you get well...My Day of Wellness Started Today!...When I said what I had to Say And Walked out that Backdoor For Good for the last time

    Hi dennis
    Take this job and shove it, I have always wanted to sing that song to my old Boss but he died one month before I found out about my Cancer. He and I were the only two people who knew and understood the business we were in, so the company could not get rid of me, but to my surprised supported me through all my treatment up to this day 8 years later. It is sad that some people understand and others are so dumb when it comes to people who have cancer. You are right someday what was giving will be what a person gets back in return.
  • fisrpotpe
    fisrpotpe Member Posts: 1,349 Member
    #16
    dennis318 said:

    I Finallly did it
    My boss went after me this am again, her regular routine, I did everything but kiss her @##$$ she was to dedicated worker for keeper her business going. threw out the healthy years of my life. I know others have been beaten and bent, but I hope she gets what the good Lord has at the end for Her Life, I'll get there, and have my dissability coming next month. It's people like this that won't let you get well...My Day of Wellness Started Today!...When I said what I had to Say And Walked out that Backdoor For Good for the last time

    Good for You!
    I had to do almost the same for the company I worked for 23 years. Can't hardly believe it has been 2 years since I talked to them. I love my wellness and you will too. Enjoy it will work for you.
  • Glenna M
    Glenna M Member Posts: 1,576
    #17
    dennis318 said:

    I Finallly did it
    My boss went after me this am again, her regular routine, I did everything but kiss her @##$$ she was to dedicated worker for keeper her business going. threw out the healthy years of my life. I know others have been beaten and bent, but I hope she gets what the good Lord has at the end for Her Life, I'll get there, and have my dissability coming next month. It's people like this that won't let you get well...My Day of Wellness Started Today!...When I said what I had to Say And Walked out that Backdoor For Good for the last time

    Proud of you
    I'm so proud of you Dennis for finally standing up for yourself!!

    I'm sure this will do nothing but make you feel better as each day passes without your boss yelling and degrading you. Now your healing will begin and you will feel better and stronger each day.

    Stay strong,
    Glenna
  • rozaroo
    rozaroo Member Posts: 665
    #18
    Glenna M said:

    Proud of you
    I'm so proud of you Dennis for finally standing up for yourself!!

    I'm sure this will do nothing but make you feel better as each day passes without your boss yelling and degrading you. Now your healing will begin and you will feel better and stronger each day.

    Stay strong,
    Glenna

    Way to go Dennis!
    Enough is enough! Now you can concentrate on you & healing.May you finally find the peace you so deserve. I am so relieved for for you.
    God bless you Dennis

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