I am so very tired
I am just wondering, I have been so tired.. it is 8 days post 2nd chemo treatment and all i want to do is sleep. I have never been one to nap much, but for the last few days I have been sleeping all afternoon and awake a couple ours in the evening and then to bed. I fall asleep during things i am interested in on TV, and don't have energy to even talk to people. I want to do a little shopping today but know i better do it in the morning as i will not have energy to do it and i will have to take someone with me because i don't even trust myself to drive the 40 miles to town ( i live in a very small town, with one tiny grocery store, a gas station, post office, a small hospital where i work and of course 2 bars, and 1 cafe. so shopping is not possible without the drive) I feel like i am sleeping my life away. My eyes just won't stay open. There are times i think i can get up and do things, and am saddened when just little things wipe me out.
I am wondering if their are some good vitamins or if this is depression which also makes you want to sleep. probably a combination of both. Just wondering is this normal?
God bless
Jackie
Comments
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Good morning, Jackie!
I'm very sorry to hear you're having a rough time. Moopy is kind of up against it too this morning (Day 7). She feels very tired - it's that second-week tiredness starting up, I guess. The lab work she did yesterday came out just fine. Moopy's throat is still sore, but not worse (at least that's what she tells me). I also think she is in sort of a funk because she hasn't gotten out to do anything in a few days. Fortunately, it's supposed to be warm today so I can drag her out somewhere to shop for something... or anything.
Please nap as much as you need to, Jackie. Moopsy and I hope you have a warmer and sunnier day than yesterday - both outside and inside!0 -
You'll get used to the ebbAortus said:Good morning, Jackie!
I'm very sorry to hear you're having a rough time. Moopy is kind of up against it too this morning (Day 7). She feels very tired - it's that second-week tiredness starting up, I guess. The lab work she did yesterday came out just fine. Moopy's throat is still sore, but not worse (at least that's what she tells me). I also think she is in sort of a funk because she hasn't gotten out to do anything in a few days. Fortunately, it's supposed to be warm today so I can drag her out somewhere to shop for something... or anything.
Please nap as much as you need to, Jackie. Moopsy and I hope you have a warmer and sunnier day than yesterday - both outside and inside!
You'll get used to the ebb and flow of your energy levels just about the time you stop chemo. You have to remember to be kind to yourself and do what you can, when you can. It was very difficult to accept that I wasn't my usual self. But eventually I learned to just sit down. I wasn't doing myself any favors by pushing so hard. So, I rested.0 -
Goodmorning
Good morning,
I'm sorry that you are feeling zapped. Don't be hard on yourself. You need to rest also, our bodies are going through traumatic times and it's like when you get sick all you can do is rest. Our body thinks we are sick so all we want to do is rest so listen to yourself and maybe tomorrow you'll feel better. I'm also glad to hear that Moopy tests came back good, and that her throat isn't any worse. Maybe shopping will help her mood. Take care of her Joe. Jackie, you just get some rest and leave the rest to us. Ha Ha!!! I will be out today also, I am going to my plastic surgeon today. yea!!!! maybe I'll get more saline. That is the only silver lining to all of this. Take care, Lots of Love
Michelle0 -
Best advice!!!young_one said:You'll get used to the ebb
You'll get used to the ebb and flow of your energy levels just about the time you stop chemo. You have to remember to be kind to yourself and do what you can, when you can. It was very difficult to accept that I wasn't my usual self. But eventually I learned to just sit down. I wasn't doing myself any favors by pushing so hard. So, I rested.
And, if you feel bad about that you are not 'doing anything', just remember that your MIND is not, but your BODY is fighting like HECK!!!!
Nap, read, watch TV. This is the one time in your life when you shouldn't feel a bit guilty about doing these activities!!!! The rest of your life will be time enough to be outwardly busy!!!
Hugs, Kathi0 -
I'm so tired
I just finished my 4th and final round of chemo a week ago. Of all the side affects, the utter, bone-tired exhaustion hit me the hardest. I sat in a chair almost all the time and watched life go on around me. And even that made me tired. Then I figured, don't fight it. It's simply my body telling me to take it easy. I stopped comparing myself to other cancer patients or worse, those of good health, and learned to listen to my inner self. Then I found that occasionally I could do little things around the house like make the bed, contribute to a meal, even laundry sometimes.
Yesterday I decided to go on this website for the first time cause I just needed some mental bolstering; to know that I'm not alone in this. And today I awoke feeling pretty good a week to the day after my last chemo treatment. I made pancakes for my husband and sister, played with the puppy for a bit, and sat here as soon as my energy level faded somewhat. And that's my hard-learned secret--don't push it. When you're tired, simply stop and recover for awhile before coming to that place of total exhaustion.
Isn't it so surprising that no matter how much you prepare for the treatment, educate yourself, talk to those who've gone through it, etc., it's so unexpectedly hard!!
I have my first appointment with the radiologist mid-month. I'm figuring radiation can't be as bad as the chemo but have read that the exhaustion is right up there with it. Boo hiss. I hope I can make it through. When this first started back in August of last year, I was told that the cancer was caught early, that it would be relatively simple, blah blah blah. Then things started to go awry and I was dealt another couple unexpected hands. But, I'm dealing with it. And hopefully by the time the weather turns nicer, I'll feel like restarting some of my volunteer work, getting the garden in shape, and live the rest of my life to the fullest. So you hang in there.0 -
TiredSittintrot said:I'm so tired
I just finished my 4th and final round of chemo a week ago. Of all the side affects, the utter, bone-tired exhaustion hit me the hardest. I sat in a chair almost all the time and watched life go on around me. And even that made me tired. Then I figured, don't fight it. It's simply my body telling me to take it easy. I stopped comparing myself to other cancer patients or worse, those of good health, and learned to listen to my inner self. Then I found that occasionally I could do little things around the house like make the bed, contribute to a meal, even laundry sometimes.
Yesterday I decided to go on this website for the first time cause I just needed some mental bolstering; to know that I'm not alone in this. And today I awoke feeling pretty good a week to the day after my last chemo treatment. I made pancakes for my husband and sister, played with the puppy for a bit, and sat here as soon as my energy level faded somewhat. And that's my hard-learned secret--don't push it. When you're tired, simply stop and recover for awhile before coming to that place of total exhaustion.
Isn't it so surprising that no matter how much you prepare for the treatment, educate yourself, talk to those who've gone through it, etc., it's so unexpectedly hard!!
I have my first appointment with the radiologist mid-month. I'm figuring radiation can't be as bad as the chemo but have read that the exhaustion is right up there with it. Boo hiss. I hope I can make it through. When this first started back in August of last year, I was told that the cancer was caught early, that it would be relatively simple, blah blah blah. Then things started to go awry and I was dealt another couple unexpected hands. But, I'm dealing with it. And hopefully by the time the weather turns nicer, I'll feel like restarting some of my volunteer work, getting the garden in shape, and live the rest of my life to the fullest. So you hang in there.
You describe, all of you, what I am feeling now. I feel too weak even to do this and will be crawling back to the couch in a minute. I just didn't know it would be this bad. And I have 4 more treatments. I hope we all are resting and will feel stronger so soon. You all are right--our bodies are fighting hard. I need to remember that. It is comforting to have your company, ladies, and I hope we all dig out of this misery.0 -
EXHAUSTED
Hi Jackie,
What you describe is very normal, please do not be hard on yourself. For me I was a little more tired after each chemo session. It usually was hardest the first 10 days and best the last 5 or so. As a family we had chemo cleaning weekend each weekend to help me so I did not have to see all the things I was too tired to do. The weekend prior to chemo we did a bang up job so I would have little to concern myself with. Please remember that your body is fighting to kill the cancer and that is where all your energy is going. Rest as much as you need to so your body can continue to fight. Allow yourself this time to relax and let others care for you. I recall how difficult it is to do that, but it is in your best interest to do so.
Sending ((((BIG BEAR HUGS))))
RE0 -
THIS TOO SHALL PASS
Hi Jackie,
What you describe is very normal, please do not be hard on yourself. For me I was a little more tired after each chemo session. It usually was hardest the first 10 days and best the last 5 or so. As a family we had chemo cleaning weekend each weekend to help me so I did not have to see all the things I was too tired to do. The weekend prior to chemo we did a bang up job so I would have little to concern myself with. Please remember that your body is fighting to kill the cancer and that is where all your energy is going. Rest as much as you need to so your body can continue to fight. Allow yourself this time to relax and let others care for you. I recall how difficult it is to do that, but it is in your best interest to do so.
Sending ((((BIG BEAR HUGS))))
RE0 -
Hi Jackie, so sorry you are
Hi Jackie, so sorry you are feeling so tired. I remember that distinctly. Incredible fatigue, I don't know how other women managed to work through it. I slept LOTS. Afternoons and nights. And for a long time. Unfortunately, fatigue is probably the most common se from cancer and it's tx. My husband still suffers from it and it's been years since his tx. However what you are feeling is quite extreme and once you're through tx you'll be on the mend. The wise women here are right when they say to take it easy, rest often and pamper yourself. Your body is taking a real assault right now, don't expect alot from it.
I found also that the chemo made me depressed. Esp the taxotere (taxol). Deep, dark depression. Just know that if this happens it's just the drugs. Don't panic. (like I did
Best of luck to you and sending prayers your way
love
jan0 -
your rightRE said:THIS TOO SHALL PASS
Hi Jackie,
What you describe is very normal, please do not be hard on yourself. For me I was a little more tired after each chemo session. It usually was hardest the first 10 days and best the last 5 or so. As a family we had chemo cleaning weekend each weekend to help me so I did not have to see all the things I was too tired to do. The weekend prior to chemo we did a bang up job so I would have little to concern myself with. Please remember that your body is fighting to kill the cancer and that is where all your energy is going. Rest as much as you need to so your body can continue to fight. Allow yourself this time to relax and let others care for you. I recall how difficult it is to do that, but it is in your best interest to do so.
Sending ((((BIG BEAR HUGS))))
RE
I know you are right,, my body is fighting, I am glad you made me stop and think of it that way, I guess i was expecting myself to be as active as usual and angry when i couldn't. I guess i'm not "super Jackie". I think i was feeling guilty for resting and not doing all the things i used to do. I am going to use your chemo cleaning weekend plan RE. I need to learn to relax and let my family help me.
Moopy, i'm happy your labs are good and sorry your as tired as me.. but the idea that we can let our body rest and use it for ammunition against the enemy...suddenly makes the guilt fade away. I appreciate everyone putting this into perspective for me. I know I will sleep more peacefully tonight.. and may all of you have the sweetest of dreams.
God Bless
Jackie0 -
z-z-z-z-z-z-z
Oh yeah. Tiredness and guilt for tiredness can be an endless circle. I am so glad to hear our sisters say, listen to your body...it's telling you to rest. Cancer fatigue feels different to me from other tiredness. I don't know how to explain it. I am always glad to snuggle down into bed with a good book and drift off. Sleep is the best medicine ever.
I used to love to go thrift shopping. I too live mucho miles away from stores, so when I had the chance I would grocery shop and thrift shop in the "big city" and get home at 2:00 in the morning. What a party animal, huh? Shop that big box store at midnight and dodge their big machines and loads of boxes in the aisles.
Now, I dread the idea of the long trips for doctors' appointments and the monthly grocery shopping because by the time I'm done, I'm a puddle driving home...and I still have to unload everything! I'm yawning just thinking about it. (Oh, and my treatment was finished in October!) So, I'm allowing myself to be a wimp for awhile. I think it's good for the soul too.
Take care, Lynn0 -
To All Us Tired Girlslynn1950 said:z-z-z-z-z-z-z
Oh yeah. Tiredness and guilt for tiredness can be an endless circle. I am so glad to hear our sisters say, listen to your body...it's telling you to rest. Cancer fatigue feels different to me from other tiredness. I don't know how to explain it. I am always glad to snuggle down into bed with a good book and drift off. Sleep is the best medicine ever.
I used to love to go thrift shopping. I too live mucho miles away from stores, so when I had the chance I would grocery shop and thrift shop in the "big city" and get home at 2:00 in the morning. What a party animal, huh? Shop that big box store at midnight and dodge their big machines and loads of boxes in the aisles.
Now, I dread the idea of the long trips for doctors' appointments and the monthly grocery shopping because by the time I'm done, I'm a puddle driving home...and I still have to unload everything! I'm yawning just thinking about it. (Oh, and my treatment was finished in October!) So, I'm allowing myself to be a wimp for awhile. I think it's good for the soul too.
Take care, Lynn
I started my journey in August, my husband was laid off and decided to retire in September, and he has been wonderful learning his new job of nurse and house husband. This morning he said to me that he never realized how hard it was keeping a lovely house, cooking healthy meals and the menu planning and shopping those required. He said even the poor job he's doing is hard work.
Well, that was an energizing reward to hear. And it made me realize more than ever that those of us lucky enough to have family members accompany us on this journey need to be ever mindful of their feelings and mood swings that seem to match ours. I am so grateful. Today I'm gonna give him 100 attaboys!
Also, today it is finally warming up and I decided to go out to a store to get a pot to replant my Christmas Cactus and I'M NOT GOING TO COVER UP MY BALDNESS. This is a big deal for me so wish me luck. For those who've done it, do people stare? Do people quickly look away? Do they become more kind? I don't want to freak anyone out, but darn it, this is for me!0 -
You Go, Girl!Sittintrot said:To All Us Tired Girls
I started my journey in August, my husband was laid off and decided to retire in September, and he has been wonderful learning his new job of nurse and house husband. This morning he said to me that he never realized how hard it was keeping a lovely house, cooking healthy meals and the menu planning and shopping those required. He said even the poor job he's doing is hard work.
Well, that was an energizing reward to hear. And it made me realize more than ever that those of us lucky enough to have family members accompany us on this journey need to be ever mindful of their feelings and mood swings that seem to match ours. I am so grateful. Today I'm gonna give him 100 attaboys!
Also, today it is finally warming up and I decided to go out to a store to get a pot to replant my Christmas Cactus and I'M NOT GOING TO COVER UP MY BALDNESS. This is a big deal for me so wish me luck. For those who've done it, do people stare? Do people quickly look away? Do they become more kind? I don't want to freak anyone out, but darn it, this is for me!
Yes, some people will stare....and then there are others that won't make any eye contact with you. And then there are others who will bend over backwards to help you (one time at a restaurant, the owner came over and said the bill was on him!!!) It's a mixed pot. You'll see. Just don't take it personally when people don't look at you, or if they looke away quickly.
This is for you!!! Be yourself.0 -
Tired of Being Tired, Frustratedlynn1950 said:z-z-z-z-z-z-z
Oh yeah. Tiredness and guilt for tiredness can be an endless circle. I am so glad to hear our sisters say, listen to your body...it's telling you to rest. Cancer fatigue feels different to me from other tiredness. I don't know how to explain it. I am always glad to snuggle down into bed with a good book and drift off. Sleep is the best medicine ever.
I used to love to go thrift shopping. I too live mucho miles away from stores, so when I had the chance I would grocery shop and thrift shop in the "big city" and get home at 2:00 in the morning. What a party animal, huh? Shop that big box store at midnight and dodge their big machines and loads of boxes in the aisles.
Now, I dread the idea of the long trips for doctors' appointments and the monthly grocery shopping because by the time I'm done, I'm a puddle driving home...and I still have to unload everything! I'm yawning just thinking about it. (Oh, and my treatment was finished in October!) So, I'm allowing myself to be a wimp for awhile. I think it's good for the soul too.
Take care, Lynn
I am about the same place as Jackie in my chemo, day 8 of second treatment. I am just so depressed w/ how much more tired I am. I don't feel like doing anything. So frustrated. M dear big sister is coming next week; I am so looking forward to her being here, yet I know she is going to be shocked at how tired I am. I want her to have a good time and not just be sitting here while I lie inert. And I appreciate Jan's info on depression. I feel so despairing, like what is the point of all this when I will likely get cancer again? I am now taking Zoloft 100 mg and hope it will kick in soon. I wish I could sleep or read. Reading is even too tiring.
Sorry to vent. It is a beautiful day, there are a million things I need to do around the house, and I am just lying here. Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone in all this. It is so much harder than I expected, and getting harder by the day, not easier.0 -
Your sisterMoopy23 said:Tired of Being Tired, Frustrated
I am about the same place as Jackie in my chemo, day 8 of second treatment. I am just so depressed w/ how much more tired I am. I don't feel like doing anything. So frustrated. M dear big sister is coming next week; I am so looking forward to her being here, yet I know she is going to be shocked at how tired I am. I want her to have a good time and not just be sitting here while I lie inert. And I appreciate Jan's info on depression. I feel so despairing, like what is the point of all this when I will likely get cancer again? I am now taking Zoloft 100 mg and hope it will kick in soon. I wish I could sleep or read. Reading is even too tiring.
Sorry to vent. It is a beautiful day, there are a million things I need to do around the house, and I am just lying here. Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone in all this. It is so much harder than I expected, and getting harder by the day, not easier.
Is this the sis that share the same name as me? I bet your feeling better by next week and going through a little recovery period i hope this for me also. Anyway I am sure she loves you so much to come all the way to see you that she probably just wants to hang with you tired or not. Sisters are so cool i have 3 and they all say they feel it in their heart that i wll survive and that makes me believe that i will. It is so scary and depressing to think of reoccurance and no matter how we try to push it out of our minds it is still there hidden in the back. Let's try not to let that demon still our joy (i'm talking to myself too.) You just enjoy your time with your sis.. sooner or later it will get better.
YOU need to worry about yourself and not your house (again i'm talking to myself) like the hat pin my friends gave me yesterday says "focus on Me". This is not selfish you have to be rested and that is what i'm sure your sis and joe want is just a well-rested cared for Moopy NOT a perfectly cleaned house.
From my heart to yours God bless you and make this a beautiful day for you!
Jackie0 -
tired of being tiredMoopy23 said:Tired of Being Tired, Frustrated
I am about the same place as Jackie in my chemo, day 8 of second treatment. I am just so depressed w/ how much more tired I am. I don't feel like doing anything. So frustrated. M dear big sister is coming next week; I am so looking forward to her being here, yet I know she is going to be shocked at how tired I am. I want her to have a good time and not just be sitting here while I lie inert. And I appreciate Jan's info on depression. I feel so despairing, like what is the point of all this when I will likely get cancer again? I am now taking Zoloft 100 mg and hope it will kick in soon. I wish I could sleep or read. Reading is even too tiring.
Sorry to vent. It is a beautiful day, there are a million things I need to do around the house, and I am just lying here. Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone in all this. It is so much harder than I expected, and getting harder by the day, not easier.
It is really hard. Good for you for trying an anti-depressant. So many of us have been down the road you are on down to exactly: "It is a beautiful day, there are a million things I need to do around the house, and I am just lying here." But you are doing something. You are fighting an enormous battle. If your body is saying rest, it is a GOOD thing to listen to.
I'm betting that your sister is not worrying about having a good time. I'm betting she's coming because she loves you no matter what and wants to be with you so you have another someone to lean on.
Everyday try to think of some of the good things you do. "I let myself rest, so that I can battle this demon." "I ate healthy foods today." "I told Aortus how much I love him." Take it one step at a time. You ARE going to make it!
Love, Lynn0 -
TIRED??? US? No Way!
With the cumulative effect of chemo on my body, I say I went from tiredness to exhaustion to some place in the Twilight Zone of uber-delirium which could only be designed by someone with a really perverse need to make me non functional! Add to that the onset of chemo-brain, and OMG~ yes, sisters we know just what you are talking about! Then and there I decided, when my white counts were high enough for me to go out in public, I was going to go! I knew I was tired ( tired? we need a new word for how we really feel during chemo!) so, I decided to be tired while being entertained. I went to outdoor concerts, picnics, whale watching, whatever I could muster. I went to the movies a few times; that was not such a great idea. As soon as the lights went down, I scootched down in my theater seat and zzzzzzzzzzzz! Of course I couldn't always be the belle of the ball, or even get the energy to go anywhere. I did listen to my body, even when it was sayng the most rude and ugly things to me. The poison killing the beast is strong, indeed. And we do need our energy to get through and WIN the fight.
I got really weepy/cranky as I got more tired...the proverbial 2 yr. old missing her nap had nothing on me!
With everything else, it passed! WE all get to the other side of chemo and, as I always say Life After Cancer!
Hang on, all of you Kindred Spirits~ you will get there. Listen with your hearts and you will see and hear us encouraging you, pushing you when necessary, and grabbing your hand to pull you over the finish line!
Hugs,
Claudia0 -
Sistersrjjj said:Your sister
Is this the sis that share the same name as me? I bet your feeling better by next week and going through a little recovery period i hope this for me also. Anyway I am sure she loves you so much to come all the way to see you that she probably just wants to hang with you tired or not. Sisters are so cool i have 3 and they all say they feel it in their heart that i wll survive and that makes me believe that i will. It is so scary and depressing to think of reoccurance and no matter how we try to push it out of our minds it is still there hidden in the back. Let's try not to let that demon still our joy (i'm talking to myself too.) You just enjoy your time with your sis.. sooner or later it will get better.
YOU need to worry about yourself and not your house (again i'm talking to myself) like the hat pin my friends gave me yesterday says "focus on Me". This is not selfish you have to be rested and that is what i'm sure your sis and joe want is just a well-rested cared for Moopy NOT a perfectly cleaned house.
From my heart to yours God bless you and make this a beautiful day for you!
Jackie
It is my sister Jackie, and you and Lynn and Claudia are right. I do feel in a better place emotionally now after reading your messages. I will enjoy Jackie's visit and something of every single day, and accept the rest I need. Thank you once again, dear sisters in pink. You always seem to know what needs to be said or done. From my heart to yours also.0 -
time
Hey Jackie,
Being tired is part of this because the inside of your body is doing triple time to heal. Remember that rest does allow your body to heal and ask yourself are you pushing yourself too hard. We are our worst critics because we want to have our "old" energy back. This is a very long process so honor resting but being on a "pitypot" is acceptable but be sure to have a friend or loved one knock it out from under you after a short time. Also, try walking even if is just in the mall due to cold. See about going to some place indoor like to see plants, birds, etc. Even Pikes or homedepot have indoor plants. Drive to a school on a pretty day and watch the kids playing outside and listen to the laughter. Being tired and down is part of this and we all understand and have our arms out to hold you. When you feel better, you will be there for us and hold us. This is a rollercoaster ride but you are not alone. Angela0 -
Tired of Being TiredMoopy23 said:Tired of Being Tired, Frustrated
I am about the same place as Jackie in my chemo, day 8 of second treatment. I am just so depressed w/ how much more tired I am. I don't feel like doing anything. So frustrated. M dear big sister is coming next week; I am so looking forward to her being here, yet I know she is going to be shocked at how tired I am. I want her to have a good time and not just be sitting here while I lie inert. And I appreciate Jan's info on depression. I feel so despairing, like what is the point of all this when I will likely get cancer again? I am now taking Zoloft 100 mg and hope it will kick in soon. I wish I could sleep or read. Reading is even too tiring.
Sorry to vent. It is a beautiful day, there are a million things I need to do around the house, and I am just lying here. Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone in all this. It is so much harder than I expected, and getting harder by the day, not easier.
I am on day seven of my second treatment. I will be fine for a short while and then it is like someone unpluged my energy. Even walking to the mailbox is a big deal. Definately more tired then the first round.0
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