B12 while on pcv chemo for glioblastoma

Hi Giraffe11,

I’m Kirsty one of the cancer information nurse specialists that work on the Macmillan support line. Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community.

Taking a combination chemotherapy like PCV can feel exhausting, especially as you look ahead and are perhaps having treatment over a longer time.

 A common side effect from this chemotherapy is feeling very tired (fatigued). There are some suggestions in the link on coping with fatigue and tips for managing this side effect. People often comment that keeping a fatigue diary helps them to plan activities and quieter times, as they begin to understand their fatigue better.

I do understand how frustrating this dip in energy levels can be and why you might look to taking vitamins in the hope of giving them a boost. Taking vitamins may have benefits, but there can also be risks.

Unfortunately, some supplements can interfere with how cancer drugs work. Please ask your partner’s cancer nurse specialist or consultant for advice, about what your partner can or cannot have during treatment.

You don’t mention if a blood test has shown a drop in vitamin levels or (deficiency). If so, again, your partner’s consultant is best placed to advise.

Taking a day at a time can help if feeling overwhelmed due to fatigue. For some, breaking the day into manageable chunks (morning, afternoon and evening) can help pace activities and to feel more in control.

Take care,

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. 

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