Hello all you fellow suffers. I was diagnosed with lower Oesophageal cancer back in June . There were also signs that it had spread a little to other parts. I have just completed the fourth cycle of the planned six. I now feel completely exhausted.

Hi Golf nick.

I was diagnosed in march and recently finished my fourth round of chemo. I was the same, feeling unwell for several days then a little better just in time for the next dose. By round four I was knackered. Feeling a bit better now and just starting on the surgery part.

I would say you're feeling as you should but if you're not happy call your nurse or rapid response team.

Hi

Sorry you're on this journey.  I've completed 4 round of pre-surgery FLOT and 4 round post surgery. In each batch the first 2 cycles had some side effects but by cycle 3 I started to struggle and cycle 4 I spent on the sofa. The fatigue was really the worst part.  The effects were cumulative. The final cycle I also had a potassium deficiency which affected my muscles and I was very clumsy and weak.  I think I called once a week for the pre-surgery chemo with questions and to check the symptoms had reached a severe enough stage that I'd need medical intervention.  I suggest calling if it'll put your mind at ease. I think I'd call to ask about your stomach - they may need to supplement your meds. I also had very little appetite and ate little bits on a schedule. 

Take care

Suzy.

Thanks for that Suzy sounds like you've been through a tough time.Hope you're feeling better now . I will take your advice & make some calls . Many thanks Nick

Thanks Nick. There were times when it seemed all too much and I'm sure everyone on this journey has felt that. Taking a long term perspective is helpful. I'm doing great - I'm walking a lot, doing household chores, looking after my son, going back to work bit by bit. Im not 100% by any means but I'm getting there. In depths of chemo this would have felt impossible.  There is no way to adequately describe how awful the fatigue is. Hang in there and speak to your team! This is a whole new world you're (we're) trying to navigate.

Like others, I'm having FLOT too, my last (4th) is this coming Friday. The first round I had 100%, then got an infection so spent a week in hospital. Rounds 2 and 3 were at 80%. My oncologist said bluntly that if I had 100% again it would kill me! That shocked me... a lot! However, the 80% is working, I can eat normally now which is wonderful.

The exhaustion has been so bad after round 3 that I've had a week postponement. Overall it won't make any difference, but has given me a bit more time to feel better. Although I'm due it this Friday I still feel shattered all the time, but at least now have the energy to have a shower and do light household chores. No way could I have done that last week! I fully expect another two weeks of total exhaustion again after my last round on Friday, but at least feel able to face it now. I was beginning to think I'd never be able to finish it.

I have been told the chemo is worse than recovering from the operation, so am hoping that is the case. Absolutely dreading the mopping up chemo afterwards though, as I now know how it'll feel.

Hang in there, you're doing great! Speak to your oncologist, be honest, and call them whenever you're worried. They may be able to tweak your treatment to more suit you personally.