How do you deal with fatigue?

[Evoman]

I ask because yesterday and today I had some of the worst fatigue I've had in about a year. Since I went from the FOLFOX to the FOLFIRI, my fatigue has been a lot better. It's still horrible....I cant work, had to quit school, and lost most of my muscle...but it is better than it was. However, this week it has been horrible. I got up from the couch a handful of times, and that was just to go to the washroom. Once I would finish my business in the bathroom, I would have to sit and rest before moving my carcass back on to the couch.

Unlike pain or nausea, there are really no medical ways of dealing with fatigue. Some people have suggested Yoga to me, but the thought of driving to a class or even standing up in my own living room sounds damn near impossible. Usually the fatigue wears off a lot before my next chemo, but it is lasting longer and longer.

Do you guys have ANY suggestions? I'm really not expecting anything but I figured I would ask anyways. At least you guys can sympathize and my misery does love it's company.

[kathysart_decoration]

1. Just some thoughts

It's not clear what your situation is. Do you live alone or is someone else there to help you?
There probably isn't much you can do except honor what your body is telling you. Since you aren't able to work or go to school you, fortunately, don't have anything getting in the way of staying in bed or on the couch and simply resting. Let your body restore itself.
Many years ago I had thyroid cancer and an operation to remove the thyroid. There definitely was fatigue, especially during chemotherapy and I rested my body as much as possible. Someone told me back then that my body was telling me something and I ought to listen to it. You may do more harm if you try to fight the situation.
I ask if you are alone because it would help to have someone preparing food and drink, including lots of veggies, like spinach and other green stuff. Very important. I don't like to tell people to go out and buy things, but I have found a Nutri-Bullit, or something like it to be a valuable tool. If you have a Bed and Bath in the neighborhood they have 20% off coupons which allowed me to buy one about a year ago for the lowest price out there - I think it was $79 with the discount. If you're not up to cooking much you can throw some very good stuff in the blender (it's actually an emulsifier) and you can get some good nutritional stuff pretty quickly and the clean up is very easy. May not be too taxing if you are alone.
I wish you the best and hope you rest as much as possible and not worry about getting over the fatigue right now. Hopefully, it too shall pass.
Wishing you the best.

[sinkingfeeling]

2. Talk to your doctor. Make sure there's nothing like anemia adding

to your fatigue. Then limit your naps to one hour and do try and get a tad of exercise. And just by talking to some others about your fatigue can help.

[Tab]

3. Sorry to hear that

A few things have contributed to my fatigue....

Certain low blood levels - I'm sure you get labs taken either every week or every other week. Tell them about the fatigue and ask them to check for anemia and such.

Have them review your medications. You could be on something - even a high blood pressure med - that kills you during the day. I used to take Toprol in the morning, and it just wiped me out for the day. I switched to taking it at night (before getting rid of it altogether). Same with an anti-depressant.

Chemo, of course, can wipe you out - even if you moved to FOLFIRI it can eventually take its toll on your body.

I'm just coming out of a long period of fatigue having had six months without chemo, took a week or two off from work and just rested and slept, and made sure to force myself to eat (I had no appetite). I started with Ensure, then a little actual food, and have worked my way back to where I have an appetite now, and the fatigue is better (not gone).

To make it worse, my ability to exercise is limited because of the surgery I had. I get wiped out easy.

So in summary:
- Review all meds with doctor, see if anything contributes to fatigue. If so, try taking it at night or changing to something else.
- Have blood tests that might check for fatigue factors
- Take time off to rest and recover and have whole days off where you don't do anything but recover
- Try to make sure you eat a decent amount and keep your energy up.

Best to you,

- Tab

[Evoman]

4. thanks for your replies everyone.

It's been a real botch lately. I've finally decided to take some time of from Chemo. Look to a new post I'm making.