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• May 7, 2012 11:40 p.m.

  Hi, I read your blog and i am so much impress to read because its more useful to know about Fatigue. This information is more effective information for me and also for other people who have Asthma. Thank You so much for this information. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  - Fatigue

• January 6, 2011 7:12 p.m.

  My husband was DX with stage four small cell lung cancer mets liver. He has had four rounds of chemo and between the nulesta shot and the fatigue he is wiped out. I read your suggestions and share with him but he will not exercise nor drink a protein shake. I think he wants to give up. I'm so sad, don't know what to do, however I act positive just for him. Just need to share.

  - Carmen

• December 27, 2010 3:39 p.m.

  My 44 yr. old neice has pancreatic cancer and fatigue is a huge problem for her. She receives chemo and takes enzymes for nutrient absorption. She is now a size 0 has very little body fat. She sleeps alot and has a difficult time finding foods that agree with her. Her insurance will not pay for a dietary nutritionist. Where can she get advice on diet and fatigue. Her oncologist doesn't offer much information on this.

  - Robin

• October 13, 2010 7:02 a.m.

  The fatigue... it has been diffucult for me because I have tried to hide it from everyone around me. The long recovery from surgery made most everything impossible but in no time they were back to "normal" while I was NOT.I could put a basket of dirty laundry at teh op of the basement stairs ...? and they would move it out of their way ! Also the hormones are getting to me. It was an accident but I was out of town all day,long day without any of my meds. Got home about 11 pm felt like death BUT it did give me a clearer picture of where I am with pain issues. and I realized I have a new one (or a couple) but the pain in my left hip was almost unbearable and I never had that before! I am just waiting for the re-occurrence so it would probably be better if I could feel the changes in body. To the point of this discussion though. Fatigue and breathing. I was DX with stage 4 Thymic Carcinoma oncologist said maybe a couple months.Might not even operate ! Had a great surgeon !! and he strongly !!! suggested radiation after the surgery.Now while I wait for it to come back and it will ! I guess there aren't many of us but almost all off us die ! The radiation and surgery have destroyed about 80-85% of my lung and paralized phrenic nerve so breathing can bea B..... I love my Pulminary Dr. and my surgical team at Mayo but the oncologists they have stuck me with? usually young and the amount they know about my cancer they read in my chart. I need a plan HELP ME ?

  - erin

• July 20, 2010 7:22 p.m.

  When I was diagnosed with stage 2 hormone-sensitive breast cancer, I read a book about the disease my oncologist recommended, asked a gazillion questions of everyone who was poking and prodding, and was pretty well prepared for side effects from treatments. But I was not prepared for the fatigue and extreme difficulty concentrating that hit me about halfway through radiation therapy and that continues still, almost 3 months post-therapy. The most difficult problem is my demanding and often stressful job. My co-workers have been wonderfully supportive, but deadlines and long-term projects are catching up with me and every day is "emergency" mode--and here I am running on about half-battery. I can't believe it took me so long to realize how critical the situation has become -- talk about fuzzy thinking! And my co-workers will be running out of patience, if they haven't already. I'm in the process of hiring some short-term help at work, so this too shall pass, but I wish I'd been more knowledgeable so I could have made better plans for my professional responsibilities during AND AFTER treatment. I'm so curious how others of you are coping at work....

  - Marcia

• June 23, 2010 3:59 p.m.

  my best friend as lung cancer-small cell. Has been treated with Chemo and the tumor is gone at the moment but will come back. She does not use the computer and asked me to try to find out if anyone knows of symptoms indicating a return of the cancer?

  - Mary Beth

• May 27, 2010 4:54 p.m.

  Betty, I just read your post regarding your son-in-law's treatment for throat cancer. I hope he is doing well. My father had throat cancer and thought he didn't need to eat during treatment and would be able to eat as soon as treatment ended. After he passed out from lack of nutrition, he consented to having a feeding tube. His recovery took time and eating was difficult. High calorie nutritious drinks such as Boost and Ensure helped him get nutrition. While he is recovering, you may want to try looking for baby food recipes. This food is pureed or made in smaller, easier to swallow consistencies. He may have damage to his saliva glands from the radiation. Food should be made with sauces or gravies.

  - Karen

• May 25, 2010 4:47 p.m.

  Thanks for all the information. Also for me my fatigue issues are because of night sweats keeping me awake at night. Wicking pajamas have helped. I found them online at Cool-jams.

  - Cecilia

• May 23, 2010 4:35 p.m.

  Thank you for sharing your stories. This disease can be so isolating. I am a 12 year brain cancer survivor. I have had 3 brain reductions, as I like to call them. I have done 4 different chemo therapies, and 28 rounds of brain radiation. Although I have dealt with fatigue since my first surgery and chemo in 1998 The bottom really fell out after radiation in 2008. My hospital had recently added a symptom management clinic to their cancer clinic. I found it on my own. My neuro oncologist was unaware of it. That clinic has changed my life. They decided to try me on Ritalin. The first experiments with Ritalin for cancer fatigue were done by a pediatrician with cancer. He wrote that it gave him his life back. When I first found the symptom management clinic I was in a wheelchair and unable to walk or stand for more than a few minutes at a time. They termed this new level of fatigue Post Radiation Complex Syndrome. It is common in people who have had so many cancer treatments. I've managed to maintain my sense of humor these 12 years. But, the wheelchair thing was not something I was going to accept gracefully. Ritalin gave me back my life. I am actually feeling better than I have in 12 years. This probably isn't for everyone. But, if you have severe fatigue, please ask your doctor if Ritalin is an option. If it works for you, spread the word. We need to be able to live while we're living. Blessings, Elizabeth

  - Elizabeth

• May 13, 2010 1:43 p.m.

  Pamela, I went through a similar experience in that we had recently moved cross country and my husband is now terribly empathic which left me alone with my cancer as well. I reached out to friends and colleagues, church members from our previous town, people i wnt to grammar school and high school with (even though i hadn't spoken to any of them since graduating 30 years ago) and was overwhealmed by the support i received, even though it was from a distance. I American Cancer Society has people who will drive you to appointments, pick up perscriptions, etc. Once support started coming in from others, myhusband took notice and started to step up and do his part. I also planned my funeral, forcing him to face the facts. And I told him pointblank that I needed him to straighten up and fly right because i didnt want the time i had left to be frustrating and loveless. I wish you the best with this difficult situation.

  - Julia

• April 16, 2010 9:04 p.m.

  Pamela, I am so sorry to hear you AML, I have some small understanding of it since I have one of the chronic blood cancers but not an acute one. It is unfortunate from reading your story that your family is in denial of how you feel and what you are going through. I hope they realize very shortly that you are not a depressing person but you have real health issues that have changed your energy level and your daily life. The low blood counts/ low energy is real, since due to some medications that I have taken resulted in myself having low blood counts, well below normal and that is draining on your energy level. I am at a loss of how to help you more, since AML is very serious. I know your story does help many to realize just how one may feel without a good close support group or caregivers. Pamela, may you continue to somehow beat the odds on this AML since you have done better than most since your diagnosis.

  - Ron

• April 15, 2010 9:15 a.m.

  I have AML Leukemia & it is sucking the life out of me...my RBC count is so very low, I do very little, then am wiped out. I also developed spleen involvement during my last bout of chemotherapy, which they had to stop therapy. What gets me down the most is having my children tell me how depressing it is to be around me (I am 52, my eldest is 32, youngest is 19), my husband refuses to discuss my cancer (although he has been with me & spoken to my Oncologists when I had been given a very poor prognosis)...I feel so all alone, being unable to discuss what I am going through simply limited to my medical support, and without ANY family support at all. Since my cancer has spread, there is very little that can be done for me except make me as comfortable as possible, but my family's rejection and lack of understanding of what I am living with is frankly quite depressing! They see me either lying in bed, or on the sofa (although I try daily to do some type of normal activity), this cancer consumes me, zaps the life out of me. I was given 6-9 months last year, electing not to have my spleen removed, due to my under 20% chance survival rate of living through it...your blog has been most helpful to me, so, thank you:)

  - Pamala

• April 2, 2010 1:03 p.m.

  I have stage IV Metastatic nsclc. I am in a rest period since mid Nov 2009 (no Chemo or Radiation). I am very blessed to be in this position considering my cancer is terminal. I find I can play 18 holes of golf with a cart, walk a mile easily and play cards with friends as well as travel. I just need to pace myself. I find that the tiredness sneaks up on me before I know it and my mood chanes instantly. I don't seem to have a warning sign. To lung cancer patients, I know it is hard to push yourself to exercise when you are so short of breath, but that can help you just as much as any medicine along with staying positive and praying. Drink lots of water and Propel, get some sun every day and smile, smile smile. God Bless, Jo Anne

  - Jo

• March 1, 2010 12:32 p.m.

  Betty, because your son-in-law is getting chemo and radiation to the throat area, it is important to have the feeding tube for his primary nutrition needs while the area is being treated directly. His team of doctors, nurses and also a dietitian will make sure that he is getting the best combination of nutrition possible with the tube feedings. Once the treatment is completed, he should be able to start eating once again, but slowly and with a specific diet at first. Find out if you can meet with the dietitian on his case to ask more about the plan. This will help to answer some of the questions you have and ease your concerns.

  - Sheryl

• February 27, 2010 11:27 a.m.

  My son-in-law has throat cancer and has been on a feeding tube for three weeks and will not be able to have aything by mouth except sips of water for at least six to eight weeks. He has completed six week of radiation five days every week. He has completed two of three chemo treatments and can not get the third until he is stronger. Does anyone have any ideas as to how you build up someone who can only get food thru feeding tube? Thanks Betty

  - Betty

• February 25, 2010 6:03 p.m.

  My wife Traci just had her last round of chemo on February 7th. The oncologist had to ease up on the chemo for her final round because her hands are swelling up, and the color is reddish purple. She also had to have a blood transfusion because her counts were very low. Her energy level has dropped substantially. Getting dressed, taking a shower, or climbing our stairs takes a toll on her. I just want to say that I am so thankful that you post helpful ideas for people struggling with cancer. I read your articles quite often and benefit from them. Keep up the good work and thank you again for your valuable information. Mike

  - Michael

• February 25, 2010 4:43 p.m.

  Great ideas....One of my ugliest thoughts that go through my brain is the sex. Its real hard for me right now. I keep telling myself, get better and you will be back to normal, (PRAYING). Trying to stay busy, but the tiredness sneaks up on me and its rest time. Working 6am-2pm (getting up at 4am and 2-3 times throughout the night to go to the bathroom. Then I head to Mayo for treatment. Long days...Then I have my family time and running around with the kids. I need a game plan and maybe get my neighbors and friends involved too.

  - Phil

• February 24, 2010 8:19 a.m.

  I am an 8 year survivor of brain cancer that was diagnosed at 26 y/o and I still struggle with fatigue almost daily. I recently had to resign my job and return to disability benefits because of all the mental stress that contributed to physical illness. I love sitting outside reading a book and playing with my family but find that even limited sun exposure sapps me dry of energy and makes me dizzy/nautious. I feel very imprisoned locked up inside all the time. How long can I expect this to continue? I have been declared cancer free and it has been eight years since my surgery and treatment of 6 weeks 5 days a week radiation (full 80 gililes) Help?

  - Christine

• February 22, 2010 10:03 p.m.

  Sheryl makes other great points with the 4P's. With my long term cancer it was just something I adapted to along the way. To pace yourself is key. You have only so much energy and you need to determine how to best use and manage it daily. The idea of finding your best times is very helpful for tasks that require focus and concentration. It may sound odd to the "healthy" people but to fatigue patients they really are great strategies. Thanks Sherl for putting all this in writing since I find myself doing many of these things as I adapted over time. But to see them in writing helps to remind myself what one does on a daily basis to have the best quality of life. Also your written info is helpful for me to share this info or your with others that have no idea on cancer fatigue.

  - Ron

• February 22, 2010 6:20 p.m.

  On the Psychological side, I was diagnosed with a chronic leukemia at age 43 ( now 58). I was at my prime and rising in my career. Don't torture yourself with guilt because you think you have let your family down. You have not!! What happened to you isn't personal. You have always been there for them and now you must focus within to give yourself the best chance to heal to the highest level your body can do. I know your care provider, my wife, was there for me but only you must fight thru this. Focus as hard as you can to get yourself better at this time in your life. Tell your family you love them but don't be guilty about turning inward for strenght for this challenge. What ever your religious beliefs, muster your strengh and keep a positive attitude. Don't be guilty when you need to lie down for as many times as needed thru the day. I know it can be hard but use those energies to fight your illness. Sorry for getting wordy.. ( You don't have to get up before bedtime to make sure all the doors are locked, someone else will) Jeff

  - Jeff

• February 22, 2010 2:06 p.m.

  Thanks to all for comments and suggestions on ways to combat the fatigue. Carlotta, what is Isotonix OPC3? Can you get at health food stores or where? Is it pills, powder you add to food? Also Marie, I had several transfusions last year due to bad anemia and I did almost immediately feel better - it replaced oxygen carrying red blood cells so that it fed my organs that needed o2. It was not a bad experience for me.

  - Kathy

• February 22, 2010 12:42 p.m.

  Great comments and suggestions from everyone. Here are a few other practical ideas. Conserve Energy (4 P's) • PLAN for activities that need to be done. Build activity in slow increments and stop to rest frequently before getting too tired. • PACE yourself throughout the day. Pay attention to the time in the day you have the best energy level and use that time to get your most important things done. • PRIORITIZE and pre-schedule your most important activities and rest time. Think of yourself as having an energy account. You have only so much energy in your account, but demands throughout the day require withdrawals from it. Don't let your account get too low! • PERSPECTIVE: Keep a healthy perspective and don't expect too much of yourself. Set realistic goals and break down tasks into manageable pieces. Many of you have also mentioned working with Complementary and Integrative strategies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and energy work. These strategies are excellent to explore.

  - Sheryl

• February 21, 2010 8:47 p.m.

  I also had acupuncture treatments for four weeks which reduced helped my energy level. The acupuncturist was trained to work on cancer patients. The Providence Western Washington Ocology center contracts with providers who had do Integrative Care techniques. My hat is off to them!!

  - Marilyn

• February 21, 2010 8:43 p.m.

  I did not need chemo but have had some fatigue because of radiation. I just finished 33 treatments and understand the fatigue will not be a problem in a few weeks. This article sounds as if some experience it forever. I have been working with a Naturopathic Oncologist on changing the way I eat and with appropriate supplements for my situation. The change in eating has definitely helped lessen the fatigue.

  - Marilyn

• February 21, 2010 6:12 p.m.

  I`ll be starting on my second week of radiation treatment this Monday. I have Prostate Cancer, t3 and a Gleason score of 10. I started on my hormone therapy in November. My cancer is attached to my colon and bladder, the doctors say I have a 80-90% of getting it all. I`m nervous about the side affects I`m going to be having. Hot flashes and fatigue seem to be the main issues right now.I`m still working and trying to still do my honey due chores around the house. I guess I`ll have to see how I`m feeling as the weeks of treatment conclude, (8) more weeks to go. Any ideas how to ease the affects will be appreciative. Thanks, Phil

  - Phil