Fatigue

Hello Spooks,

congratulations for getting through that massive op and the chemo. My mum is about to start chemo after her debulking surgery in December, and we’re all feeling a bit nervous about it.

Of course, fatigue is a major side effect of all this and it must be so draining to be feeling so tired all the time. 
Can I ask you about your diet?

I’m a nutritionist, so my first thoughts when reading your posts are that it sounds like you perhaps could do with increasing your protein intake if you don’t have much already? Protein will help to strengthen and build your muscles back up after the major surgery and chemo, which will in turn boost your energy levels. Happy to discuss privately if helpful? 

My other thought is that taking a creatine supplement may also help; this is majorly beneficial in supporting fatigue but also helping with any cognitive tiredness and also boosting mood. 
How is your sleep quality? Even though you say you’re in bed by 9, it doesn’t sound like you feel terribly rested? 

Hope this helps, happy to chat further if there’s anything I can suggest that may be helpful. 
Lx

My oncologist says the fatigue during chemo is due to low haemoglobin / red blood cells. Maybe your doctor can suggest a supplement or foods to help? 

Thank you for your reply.  I think if your mum had the surgery before any chemo that's a sign they caught it early isn't it?  Chemo is horrid but you get through it with a bit of support and help.  Take every day at a time as you can't tell how you'll feel.

I sleep poorly and have morning migraines every day but I don't think that's down to the cancer.  I've just asked for a vitamin B2 test along with the monthly full blood tests which I have tomorrow before seeing the consultant on Wednesday.  I will ask him about creatine.

It's all a bit confusing because the chemo caused me to tip from Type 2 to LADA and my dose of metformin is being steadily increased which may be the cause of some of the sickness and fatigue.  I don't think protein is the problem because I have a high protein/low carb diet because of the diabetes.

The fatigue is the worst though because it means that even when I am feeling well I still don't have the energy to achieve anything.

You are kind to reply to me and if there are any other vitamins/minerals you think I should be tested for please tell me.  I do remember taking Floradix iron supplement for general tiredness years ago and maybe there's something like that now?

Thank you for helping me!

Spooks

Hi LH 24

I am having a debulking opp on Monday 20th. Do you think Creatine would be good for me to have this week or have I missed the boat/ too late for it to make any difference? I am trying to eat high protein foods but I’m also lactose intolerant so can’t eat loads of dairy such as cheese, cream etc. I have been eating eggs and meat but struggling with constipation due to taking codeine. 
I didn’t realise creatine would help low mood too, my son is a gym addict and I never thought of this. 

I am having a debulking opp on Monday 20th. Do you think Creatine would be good for me to have this week or have I missed the boat/ too late for it to make any difference? I am trying to eat high protein foods but I’m also lactose intolerant so can’t eat loads of dairy such as cheese, cream etc. I have been eating eggs and meat but struggling with constipation due to taking codeine. 
I didn’t realise creatine would help low mood too, my son is a gym addict and I never thought of this. 

Hi Spooks,

Sadly, no. Not early. We know its stage 3 and aggressive from histology but waiting to find out more - oncology appt with the professor not until this week and chemo will start from there. All been a lot to absorb in a very short space of time.

Ok sounds like your protein is great then. Carbs are obviously a fab source of energy but you will know more around your diabetes about what you can/can't eat.

Of course see what your doctor suggests but I would definitely look to have your iron levels checked. It may be that an iron transfusion could be more beneficial than taking supplements if you are very low, though supplements would absolutely be worth taking if your levels are just below normal.

I don't know how old you are, but have you had your hormone levels tested too? Sorry, just throwing some ideas out there to maybe consider with regards to feeling tired all the time. x

Hi Andylou,

Wishing you all the luck for your upcoming surgery.

Creatine is fantastic and perfectly safe to supplement as its a naturally occuring compound in the body - increased levels boost energy, mood, strength, cognitive function...the list goes on. Recent studies show a huge benefit to peri/menopausal women too, which is fantastic.

However, if you're not used to regularly taking it then it isn't necessarily something I'd start so close to surgery. You want to be consistent with it, and so given your body will be needing a lot of rest and painkillers following surgery, it probably isn't the best time to start worrying about supplements now. Perhaps something to consider once you're fully recovered and feeling back to normal?

So sorry to hear you're constipated due to codiene, I absolutely relate. That happened to me after a few operations. Perhaps ask your doctor if you can take Ducolax pre-surgery? It's a good stool softener and one they may give you after the surgery - they wont want you straining or in any discomfort after debulking. It really helped my mum so hopefully it helps you too?

Thinking of you and wishing you all the luck for next week x

Hi LH24,

Thanks for your suggestions.  I'm seeing my consultant tomorrow and will ask him about iron levels and creatine,  Also B2 and B12 and magnesium.  Might as well  be tested for everything when I have my next lot of blood tests done!  (I'm 66) 

I think even if I gave up the PARPs I might still have the fatigue as a hangover from the op, the chemo etc.  But I'll slowly work through it all, inc the probable switch to insulin.  I'll get there, and I thank you for your support.

Spooks x

My wife has just been told she had a complete response to chemotherapy on her stage 4 ovarian cancer her diagnosis was in may last year her treatment was speedy and exceptional she is currently recovering from a full hysterectomy which is going well Please your mother this

Oh thank you. I’m so pleased for you and your wife. Where was she treated if you don’t mind me asking? 

Our situation seems to be a bit backwards with the surgery first and chemo second but hopefully it will all work out regardless!