Mother just had first round of treatment

DRB89 20 hours ago

2 replies
173 subscribers
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Hi everyone, this is my first post here, so apologies that it’s a long one.

My mother, who is a young and otherwise fit 67-year-old, was diagnosed on March 26 with NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer), staged T4 N1/N2 M1c.

She has had radiotherapy to her neck, spine, and hip to help relieve the pain she’s been experiencing. In the meantime, we’ve also found out she has a hairline fracture in her hip. We’re unsure if the radiotherapy will fully help with her pain, given this — and at the moment, the doctors aren’t planning to repair the hip surgically.

She had her first round of treatment on May 22: pemetrexed, carboplatin, and pembrolizumab.

It has completely wiped her out.

I know everyone’s experience is different, but for anyone who has gone through these treatments (or cared for someone who has), how long did the fatigue last?

Any insights or personal experiences would be so appreciated.

Tillyboo 19 hours ago

Hi sorry to hear about your Mum. My hubby was diagnosed with T3 N2 M1c stage 4 lung cancer in March. No symptoms, routine chest x ray showed a 5 cm right lower lung mass spread to L5 & lilac bone lower back & a 6mm brain met. Hes had 2 Pembro immunotherapys, one Zometa ( bone therapy) cyberknife radiothetapy to brain & radiotherapy to L5 & lilac bone. The back therapy was only done on Friday, so cant see much improvement as advised 2/3 wks.

After his 1st Pembro no side effects. But since the 2nd pembro & zometa all the radiotherapy hes wiped out. No appetite, nausea even with meds, tired & no interest in doing amything. And as the nagging lower back pain. No cough or pain anywhere else. So hes been like this nearly 2 wks since his last treatments & he had radiotherapy on Friday last wk, which can cause tiredness/nausea.

I'm hoping to see an improvement soon, but its a waiting game.

I really feel for you as theres literally nothing you can do apart from wait. If u get concerned about anything Macmillan Hotline are veey good.

I was asking my hubbys nurse yesterday how long will this last & she said everyones different.

I wish your Mum well & u too, as I know how soul destroying & tiring it is caring for a loved one. I wish I could help more. But I'm sure others will come on here & speak to you, this sites been my lifeline x

Queenie0407 11 hours ago

Hi DRB89,

Sorry to read about your mum.

I had three cycles of chemotherqpy followed by a lobectomy. From day 1 of the chemo I was a total wreck. Could only walk upstairs one step at a time. No energy, no stamina, and just slept and lay on the sofa all day. I had to physically lean on my husband for support on the journey to the chemo clinic.

The fatigue lasted for almost four months from start of treatment.

I'm older than your mother and feeling much stronger now. Walking and active again (as much as I can be as I'm now having immunotherapy).

Your mum will get stronger but it takes time.

I'm a firm believer in giving the body time to recover and not trying to rush things.

I wish her all the best.

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