Post cancer fatigue

[teachpdx]

I was just wondering how many survivors here suffer from post cancer fatigue. I keep thinking I'll get better, and I do exercise, but then a day will hit and I can't get off the couch. Hard to explain to non-survivors.

[Stage4jj]

I’m so glad someone else has this problem!! It’s been 2 years since my last surgery, and I honestly sometimes feel like it was just yesterday. I previously worked a very physical job in a steel mill, there’s no way I can do that type of work again. No one seems to understand this, and I feel like they think I’m just lazy. But, like you, there are some days that I can barely get of the couch. On top of that there’s some days that I can barely make it out of the bathroom... I’m finding out that no gallbladder and missing a foot of colon really throws off any hope of a “normal” bowel lifestyle. I’m curious to see others reply to this. Is this the norm for survivors?

[TinaFish]

I'm not where you are, but I'm always of the "listen to your body" mentality. It knows what it needs. If it asks for rest, give it rest. Let it be strong so that it can fight off any future illnesses.

[CRguy]

I was just wondering how many survivors here suffer from post cancer fatigue. I keep thinking I'll get better, and I do exercise, but then a day will hit and I can't get off the couch. Hard to explain to non-survivors.

My energy levels tanked for a number of years and the best I ever got back to was about 80-90% of what was my old normal.
I blame the radiation ( no scientific proof ) with that and the fact that a few of my WBC counts stayed low or low/normal for YEARS

However I am now an old fart so ... I should probably be getting less "energetic" anyway
(( screw THAT nonsense ))

I have never been at the " cannot even get up to pee ... " level
BUTT I do understand and can relate to how and why
that would mess with you/us/me

We do just KEEP ON !!!! keepin' ON !

Harmony All
CRguy

[Rock_Robster]

I’m still in treatment, but fatigue is my biggest side effect. Other than exercise, I find acupuncture to be very helpful. My practitioner focusses on strength and energy levels (whatever that is in TCM), and I definitely notice a difference when I don’t go.

Best of luck,
Rob

[Beckster]

I was on Xeloda for 6 months and I have been done for over 2 years. I used to be able to go, go,go....now I go and stop! I find that I have more energy in the morning, but by the afternoon, it is done. It is very frustrating to say the least. My mind says one thing, but my body says another.

[margiej]

I was on capeox for 4 months over 3 years ago. I have been exercising regularly all along and was in good shape before all this went down. Just in the past 3-4 months, I finally feel like I have more physical stamina. I don't find myself breathless with a little exertion, my pulse is lower. I still don't mind a nap but I definitely feel like I have turned a corner of some sort. Keep being kind to yourself as you continue to strengthen and heal.
Margie

[sadysue]

I wish I could say something positive regarding fatigue but unfortunately, I cannot. My path was chemo/rad daily for two months (weekends off) before surgery and six months of follow-up chemo after surgery. Eight years later, I am still very fatigued almost on a daily basis. I hope you see significant improvement and feel better soon. Many people feel great afterwards - I hope you are one of those people Good luck!

[teachpdx]

Sadysue, thanks for posting. We're about the same time out and it's taken me this long to figure out that fatigue was a big issue. Peace to you on your journey - I know how much it sucks. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat.

[NHMike]

There's a YouTube video of me playing tennis while on Chemo and Radiation. Most people that see it tell me that it doesn't look like I had cancer. But I did and the chemo and radiation did a number on my RBC and WBC and that means that I had about 1/3rd of my usual stamina.

My last surgery was July 30, 2018 and I did walk five miles after surgery and nine the next day.

I was originally diagnosed June 2017 and I had just run forty miles. Last week I ran 20 miles which is the first time that I'd done so since diagnosis. I have not felt like running a lot but have been doing a lot of strength-training instead.

The treatment alone takes a big toll on your body. Then there's the recovery and we're talking years. It can be much shorter for some people. Then there's dealing with the side-effects which can reduce your quality of sleep or just take a lot of time out of your day so you struggle to get things done.

I do find that exercise helps quite a bit. I'm stronger today than I've ever been. My balance is decent and I'm working on getting my cardio back. I would encourage getting exercise - especially if you know how and can judge your limits. For others, a trainer, especially one that is familiar with older clients, may be helpful.