Extreme fatigue

Hi Katl,

I finished chemo in July, just checked back on diary I kept and it took me a week to feel like I was “back in the room” as in it I’ve written things like..

stayed in bed till 3pm

weak and tired

slow to get going…. As always if it’s feels not right give your nurse a call just to settle you, and be super kind to yourself as your putting your body through such a lot…

take care 

Sue

Thank you for your reply Becalm. I’m another few days down the road now and starting to feel a bit more human. Forgot I had my Covid booster on Tuesday so maybe that contributed to the fatigue. At any rate one more chemo to go so I can do this . 
Hope you’re doing well now your treatment is complete 

Kate xx

Katl1. Hi Kate. My Oncologist did say to me the treatments towards the end would be more tiring. As Sue mentioned, give your CNS a call for reassurance.

I'm on day 10 of my first cycle, felt like death on Day 7 stayed in bed all day.

I always think if you can sleep, your body needs it so don't feel guilty.

Hugs, Barb xx

Hi Kate,

I’m so sorry to hear that you’re struggling after having cycle 5 but well done on getting that far. You should be so proud of yourself. I had cycle 5 yesterday, so it will be interesting to see how I get on. I know the side effects are cumulative with chemo, so time will tell.

I’m on the Abraxane/Carboplatin regime as I had an allergic reaction to Paclitaxel. So far the side effects haven’t been too bad. Cycles 1 and 2 were the worst with awful sickness and tummy issues happening overnight on day 6. Nothing that 4 hrs in the bathroom couldn’t cure! I’d much rather the toxins leave my body, so I just let nature take its course. Cycle 2 also brought the joys of a rash lol.  With cycles 3 and 4, I just had the dreaded constipation, which flaxseed on my porridge sorted out. Can’t wait to see what cycles 5 and 6 bring…..

Can I just ask, are you taking anything for your fatigue? I only ask as my oncologist suggested that I start taking a high strength vitamin B6 supplement when I had cycle 1. The important part of the supplement is the vitamin B6 element as it helps fight fatigue and also assists with repairing nerve damage. The highest dosage of vitamin B6 that I found online was supplied by a company called Healthspan. My oncologist did say if that didn’t work, then my GP could prescribe a stronger vitamin B6 tablet. If you’re not already taking something, it might be worth a try? The only tingling I have in my feet is overnight on day one. I’m fine after that.  Whether that’s down to the supplement or just luck, I don’t know. But I will carry on taking them after I’ve finished chemo as they’ve definitely helped with my energy levels.

I wish you all the luck in the world with cycle 6, you’ve got this!

Liz xx

Liz4259

Hi Liz, Just thought I'd say thanks for the info, as I'm just starting out on my Chemo journey any pointers are useful!

Interesting to read what I'm going through is mirroring what you said happened. My only problem is my constipation will get worse as I've had to resort to liquid morphine for the pain that only comes in the small hours of the morning!

Thanks for your support, Barb xx

Hi Barb,

I’m so sorry to hear about your break through pain. Having pain is so tiring. I hope the liquid morphine is doing it’s job. I occasionally take Oramorph for the bone pain that I get after having my Pelgraz injection 24 hrs after each chemo cycle. It all adds to the constipation joy! 

Wishing you lots of luck with your future treatment. I hope the chemo does it’s job and eradicates all those pesky tumours. Take good care of yourself.

Liz xx

Hi Liz

thank you for your reply. My goodness you’ve had some time of it but seem to be beating up well and you seem really positive.

This is the first time I’ve been so fatigued so not mentioned it to my oncologist as yet. However I did end up with a chest infection and wonder now if it was actually the beginning of that which caused the fatigue? Will keep the B6 in mind and definitely discuss it with them anyway. 
Cycle 6 next week and then onto brachytherapy in January. 
I hope the rest of your treatment goes well. 

Kate xx