I’m having terrible fatigue, spending most of my day in bed or on the couch, also I’m breathless Is this normal and is there anything I can do to help it? I have Ovarian 1c, I’m on Carboplatin and Taxol and having my 6 and final chemo next week.

Hi MaryN,

I’m Kirsty one of the cancer information nurse specialists that work on the Macmillan support line.

Thanks for getting in touch when you are feeling so unwell.

Side effects from chemotherapy vary and depend on the chemotherapy drugs you are having.

The fatigue you describe is normal and can often feel worse as you near the end of treatment. Although difficult to cope with, it is listed as a common side effect of Carboplatin. Perhaps reading through our information on coping with fatigue will help to reassure you and suggest ways to help manage the tiredness you feel. Planning your day and pacing activities throughout the day often helps, as does keeping a fatigue diary. Your fatigue will improve when you finish your treatment and gradually, (it can take from weeks to months), you will feel your energy levels coming back to normal.

Although your fatigue is normal and not concerning me, your breathlessness is.

Feeling breathless is listed as a possible side effect of both Carboplatin and Paclitaxel but should always be reported immediately to your cancer team.

I am unable to assess the reason for your breathlessness, so please call your emergency helpline number now. You will have been given a card with a 24-hour contact number. If unable to find, please call the main switchboard of your treatment hospital and ask them to transfer your call to their chemotherapy helpline.

Some reasons for breathlessness are more worrying than others, which is why I am urging you to get assessed today.

Take care and I hope you feel better soon.

Kirsty, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/CF

Thanks Kirsty, I will do that. The breathlessness happens when I walk a little or shower etc. I don’t have it when I’m resting.