Please help.

Hi again and yes, we all understand.

Fatigue well build up over time so take each day as it comes but at the same time keep some activity going as this does actually help overcome some of the fatigue. The more you stay in bed the longer your recovery will be.

During my 6 cycles of R-EPOCH I was on my chemo for 120 hrs 24/7 at a time and the main issue I had was fatigue but my nurse team told me to keep active so I walked the ward corridors with my chemo stand after every meal and this helped a lot.

The metallic taste us horrible, I found fresh pineapple and melted n helped a lot.

How much are you drinking?.....  you need to aim for at least 2 litres a day as this will flush out your system and protect your kidneys.

It s like marathon but your are not required to run it, take each day as it comes, set little goals and keep your eye on the prize..... remember that this part is temporary,

Hi Buttons 2020

I found that the fatigue kicked in the day after I stopped the steroids each cycle. It was not gradual it was like someone clicking a switch at some point during the day. I just had to accept I was not going to do anything productive for two or three days.

With regard my mouth I found very chilled fresh orange and ice lollies helped. I was also given a mouthwash which helped that I used for a couple of days each cycle. Sorry I cant remember the name. Let your treatment centre know and they should be able to organise something.

On the plus side you are nearly halfway through treatment already.

Its doable. 17th Feb 2020 was the day I first went to my Gp and things kicked off. The tests and chemo etc are just drifting into memory now.  I still think about it but it's not the mind consuming thing it was at first. It's down the list below wondering if it is bin day.

Hi Mike,

Thank you for the advice. 
  

Hello Garfields,

Your advice is appreciated .

Thank you .

Hi Buttons, I really relate to your symptoms.  I have "crashed" after stopping steroids around day 5 - 6 post chemo.  As you say zero energy and feel completely zapped.  For me it gets better after a day or two and I just rest up.  Tongue coated is also one of my symptoms - alcohol free mouthwash - salt water gargles and lots of fluids help - fizzy water also helped me.  Your nurse specialists will have lots of tips - just ask them and if they think you need treatment for example oral thrush or medicated mouthwashes they can get them prescribed for you.

I hope this helps, wishing you an easier time going forward xx

Hi Buttons2020, yes I totally get it.  My expression was 'I'm so tired I could cry' and sometimes I did.  I found that giving myself stupid little achievement marks for things like, emptying the dishwasher or making the bed, or just getting out of bed, made my own beans on toast helped me focus eyes forward.  Usually on the post steroid days I found the fatigue the worst but this was cumulative over the weeks.  My consultant said to me that this means your white cells are clearing off which is good because that will kill the cancer.  Maybe your team will give you the Filgrastim injections in the middle week, it brings you back up quicker ready for the next chemo!  Make sure you tell your team how you are feeling.... it is scary but that sounds just like how I was during chemo..

I spent the vast majority of six months in bed as I was totally exhausted.  I had terrible anaemia when I was diagnosed and ended up having  blood transfusions (18 units in all) in a few weeks, so that probably didn't help!