Trisha (lengthy - about fatigue)

[Guest guest]

Here is some information I have found - it was actually from a website in England, but chemo is chemo my girl! I hope it helps to read that you are not hallucinating about these symptoms. It does get better - that's the good news! Get out on that swing! The fresh air will do you good while shopping too!

XOXOX

Chemotherapy side effects: fatigue

This page has information on how chemotherapy can affect your energy levels. In other words how it can make you feel very tired and lethargic. Doctors call this fatigue.

What is treatment related fatigue?Fatigue for people having cancer treatment can be very frustrating. It may not go away even if you rest. And it can go on for weeks or months after you finish treatment. It is often called chronic fatigue, which just means long lasting. Most people regain their normal energy levels between 6 months and a year after treatment ends. But it can take longer, particularly if you have intensive treatment, such as a bone marrow or stem cell transplant (also sometimes called high dose therapy or ‘rescue’ therapy).You and your relatives may underestimate how much fatigue affects daily life. Doctors can overlook it and you may feel you've been left to cope alone. Fatigue can affect you mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Everyday life can be hard work and you may not have the energy to cook, clean, bathe or go shopping. You may not even feel up to a chat.

Chemotherapy and fatigueCancer fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment and affects between 7 and 9 out of 10 people (70 - 90%). Many people with cancer say that it is the most disruptive side effect of all.Nearly all people who have chemotherapy have some fatigue. Your white blood cell count drops between treatments and is usually at its lowest a week to 10 days after your have your chemo drugs. Doctors call this point the 'nadir'. Many people feel very tired at this time. After that you get a bit of energy back and then it's time for your next treatment and so it goes on. Knowing that you will get tired again can make you feel anxious and frustrated.Your cancer or its treatment may also affect your red blood cells. If these get too low it can cause a condition called anemia. If you are anaemic, you have too little hemoglobin because you have too few red blood cells. Hemoglobin (Hb) is a pigment inside red blood cells that carries oxygen around your body. Because your blood is carrying less oxygen, you may have shortness of breath, tiredness and lack of energy.There is a drug called erythropoietin (EPO) that may help with anemia. EPO is a hormone made by your kidneys. It can now be made in the lab and used as a drug. EPO stimulates the body to make more red blood cells. So it increases your hemoglobin levels and the levels of oxygen in your body tissues. A number of studies have been done that show EPO can raise haemoglobin levels in the body. So it can help treat anaemia. It also seems to be helpful in anaemia related to chemotherapy. There is a lot of research evidence that EPO can improve people's quality of life and enable them to do more. This drug is not suitable for everyone so you would need to ask your doctor about it.

Symptoms of fatigueIf you have any of these signs and symptoms you may be suffering from cancer fatigue. But the symptoms are very general and other things can cause them too. Always tell your doctor about anything new or unusual

Lack of energy - you may just want to stay in bed all day Feeling ‘I just cannot be bothered to do much’ Problems sleeping Finding it hard to get up in the morning Feeling anxious or depressed Pain in your muscles - you may find it hard to climb stairs or walk short distances Being short of breath after doing small tasks, like having a shower or making your bed Finding it hard to concentrate, even if watching TV or talking to a good friend Being unable to think clearly or make decisions easily Loss of interest in doing things you usually enjoy Negative feelings about yourself and othersBe sure to let your doctor know if you have any of these signs. You may be suffering from fatigue and there are things that can help you Treating fatigue caused by chemotherapy treatmentIt may be hard to treat the actual cause of your fatigue. But there is help available for symptoms. There are suggestions below. You may find that our suggestions don't always help. But do tell your doctors and nurses about your fatigue. More than half the cancer patients who have fatigue have never told their doctor about it. You could be anaemic and that is treatable. It may help your fatigue to

Do some gentle exercise each day – this can help to give you more energy Get some support from others - knowing others are there to support you can be a real energy booster Rest when you feel tired – don’t push yourself when you begin to feel tired, just stop and rest Improve your diet - eat a well balanced diet to try and keep your energy levels up Learn to manage fatigue – get help with shopping and housework and don’t try to do it all yourself!