Hi everyone- I have just had my last taxol 6 days ago and am continuing with herceptin 3 weekly with radio coming up. I have been extremely lucky to have not had any node involvement. Would like to know how others have dealt with the fatigue and lethargy if you have experienced it. I am having trouble doing anything and am concerned that I'm spiralling into depression. Have had other side effects (gut etc) but I hope they will go now. Thanks
Hi, not tat i had been on those treatments (just 1 AC Chemo thus far) I thought it may be worth a try to ask you GP to check your Vitamin D levels as low vitamin D results in depression...
May sound weird but with Chemo we do spend a bit too much time indoors so not much exposure to the sun (which is needed for Vitamin D production) and miff it does turn out it is low then taking a supplement (or you can even get a 6 monthly injection / booster) takes care of it quickly.
A friend of mine who had her BC removed 16 months ago did "hit a brick wall" 2 months post surgery and 1 month after radiation and upon testing her Vitamin D they found it incredibly low. Her therapy allowed for her to take the supplement and within weeks of starting to take it she was a new woman....
My mum who suffers from an autoimmune disease and always low Vitamin D levels also gets those 6 monthly injections and we see a major difference in her moods and behaviour pre and post those injections...
Vitamin D is also essential for the immune system so would only make sense that it maybe gets knocked out by Chemo...
I am not suggesting you just start taking that supplement by the way as would need to run it past the oncologist to see if appropriate during your therapy but it just might be worth checking...
Jel.
I was having 10 hours a night plus a day time nap. With time the day naps dropped off and now I am a regular 8 hours or slightly less. Well I WAS until my darling husband shared his cold with me. Now sick as a dog lol. Back to day time naps.
Thanks Jen- I'm unsure of what lies ahead and how ongoing treatment will effect tiredness. And I'm not very patient. Good to hear your timeframe and that you are coming out of it. Agree the mental struggle is difficult- have booked in to a psychologist. Sues
Hi Scotts,
I finished my chemo in Jan and my rads in April and still have another 9 herceptin to go. The misnomer is that you think once you have finished the bulk of your treatments you should just be able to get up the next day and have your old life back, but you have to be patient and take time to build yourself up. I am only now starting to feel like the old me but still have crappy days and do struggle mentally at times.
What I can suggest is don't bottle up your feelings because when we get to the later stage of treatments it is difficult at times because we have been so regimented with treatments and appointments and as strange as it sounds it is an emotional time. Talk to someone that understands, it helps.
Look after yourself.
Cheers Jen ?? ?? ?? xx
Thanks Kath. Have pushed myself out the door today to take the dog for a walk. Hope this will lead to more regular exercise. Also trying to improve my eating - have been a bit protective of my gut!!
I've just finished AC and am about to start taxol. I was really hoping less gut issues than the AC. I've started to do some exercise...even if that means resting for the rest of the day or next day. I have found once I get through 10 mins I feel fine but it is a struggle getting through thise 10 mins. I've noted my energy levels are steadily improving. I guess we think we should just suddenly feel normal but recovery takes time. Good food, move a bit and rest when you need. Take care. Kath x
