would like input please

[pfCml73183]

Hi everyone,
My DH has been off chemo since the third week of October.
He has gotten 2 clean scans since then yet, he is still not at all well.
He is exhausted all the time.
Now, this week, I think he has a virus with sore throat and a deep cough. His temp is normal. His color is pale.
Is there anything I am missing?

[chrissyrice]

So glad to hear about the clear scans and yes it takes awhile to recover from chemo.

Has he had blood tests done? I developed anemia after chemo was over for 6 months and it explained a lot of the fatigue and other symptoms I was having.

I took prescription iron pills for 3 months and felt much better and counts returned to normal.

Just an experience I had and hope it helps.

[Cb75]

It does take time. I was told it could take a year for all of the crap just to exit your system from the chemo and steroids. Also, he could be low on iron. I had low iron after chemo. It was picked up by my GP not my oncologist. You may want to get a full blood workup done, not just a CBC that your oncologist likely does. I still have low iron, but it's not as bad. I found that exercise helped tremendously. It was torture getting to the gym and starting as I had a lot of joint pain and foot pain, but it really did bring back my energy levels. I am now a year out. I'm still not 100 percent, but I am also still in 'treatment'.

cb

[pfCml73183]

Thank you both.
I went back and looked at his blood work but, I couldn't see any iron tests done.
Unfortunately, we need a new GP. I am going to find him one.
He has been walking every day. Sometimes a few miles. He said he wouldn't do it if it weren't for me. He is happy just to sleep lately. That is sad to hear him say that.

[jjlist]

it takes long time to recover for many of us. it took me at least a year. there are physical rehabilations that need to be considered too. i think there is also some PSTD that one deals with , making one weary as well.
the more active you can get him to be , the better.

[Guinevere]

If you're looking at his blood tests, the RBC (red blood count) is an indicator of low iron, I believe, because red blood cells contain a lot of iron. So, check the RBC number for some indication of his iron level. Also be aware that iron tablets or capsules can really do a number on the gastric system. Red meat, spinach and liver are good iron boosters. I hope this helps.
God bless~
Guinevere

[gtownguy]

Just an idea... Has he been tested for the flu? I finished chemo in July and had a flu shot after my reversal surgery in Sept. End of Dec came down with a sore throat and a horrible cough that still isn't completely gone. Turns out it was the flu and I ended up in the hospital for 7 days.

[hdridin'fool]

My hemoglobin was dangerously low and that was what got me to the emergency room where I was diagnosed with Stage IV CRC with mets to the lungs and liver. That was Nov 15. I was constantly coughing and my throat was sore from it. I was about as pale as a ghost.

I ended up with 2 infusions of iron. I believe it can take anywhere from a week to month to get the full benefit.

2 weeks after my first infusion, I was so weak, my wife had to get me a chair for the shower. Now, about a month later, I was walking a mile a day over some very hilly terrain and lifting light weights, working towards high reps. My color has returned to normal.

Absolutely find out what his iron level is.

[KimT]

It took me a good year to feel normal after chemo. Even now, two years out, I can take a nap every day and I never napped before. He may be depressed too. After finishing treatment after both of my cancers, I went through a depression. When you are in treatment, you are focused on fighting and getting through it. When it's over, sometimes you just don't know what to do with yourself. I think it's a good idea to have iron levels checked and for him to get exercise as he is able. But I don't think he is experiencing anything really outside the norm. Chemo is really hard in the body. I was shocked at how far down it took me. I wasn't sick before chemo and chemo made me sleep whole weekends away.

[pfCml73183]

Thank you everyone for your input.
I couldn't do it without your help. There is nothing like experienced warriors to help when it comes to this fight. I stalked up on steaks, kale, spinach etc. He added on a multivitamin to his med regiment.
He is pale so it may be his iron. I don't have recent blood results but he is goin for a visit to Dr K on 3/5.
I sure hope if it is a flu he won't land in the hospital.

[Cherie]

I'm two months post chemo and I'm miserable. Chemo is poison it will do damage and the body will need time to recover. You may want to check out the post "The hard road after chemo."

[pfCml73183]

Thank you Cheri, I will check on that.
Hope you all have a good weekend.