Hi
Thanks for the comments. Unfortunately c has many ways of affecting us and for me my husband was discriminated against in the workplace (yes because of my cancer) and lost his job whilst I was having treatment and then subsequently had a major breakdown whilst I was so ill. His workplace was not understanding (even though he only had a week off work). This meant I became the main breadwinner at a time that I did not really need it - so resting was not an option for me even though it should have been.
This is why I am a strong advocate for people to recognise the effect on family, financial situation and lifestyle during diagnosis and treatment.
One does what one has to do - if it works for you and helps - then do it!
Take care everyone.
Corinne
I was blown away at how exhausted you have been during the whole experience of chemo and radiation, and I sympathise with the way you ended up so dehydrated by not waking up to drink water. (Mind you it is annoying waking up just to drink water as I do). I am still relying on the arvo naps and early nights to get by, so thats fairly typical I think. I found I was ok by week 3 each chemo I had, until the 7th and then it was about 6 weeks later I thought, "hell, Im still tired!". smiling. I havent done a lot of socialising of late either, just an occasional coffee with some-one, so it does change everything doesnt it! XX Bel
Just a few quick points about how tiredness. I had a doctor warn me that those who dont have an afternoon nap, or rest enough during chemo and radiation stage, take longer to regain energy. This wont be for everyone of course, but I have taken that warning to heart. I notice how ratty I become if I miss the sleep in the arvo. I am guilty of doing too much when I feel energetic, and then my batteries go flat, so pacing yourself is my recommendation too. Im not working until my doctor and I feel I am ready to go back. Good luck, and let us know how youre going. Bel
I found that after each chemo my fatigue got worse, I was literally not able to lift my head off the pillow and my husband needed to wake me to drink as after the 1st chemo he let me sleep and I ended up in hospital dehydrated.
After day 10 I needed a long afternoon nap and I was in bed by 8.30 at night.
Like Bel I had hot bathes and tried minor exersize and found socializing just too much.
But I am 6 weeks post chemo and there are no daytime naps anymore and I can stay up later than 8.30. I can even socialze a little too.
It does get better, so hang in there.
Donna
Hi - I am now four and a half years after diagnosis of IBC. The tiredness for me continues to this day (hate to admit it could be my age as well!). Really have to put strategies in place to help deal with it as an ongoing thing. The most important thing is to recognise when you are getting tired and take action then - so what if things don't get done. If you have a 'great' day then use it to do something you want to do - not the housework!!
I did continue to work (except for four weeks when I was in the middle of chemo) all the way throughout my chemo, surgery and radiation and sometimes now I wonder why I did that. I am not the same person I was then - I now stop and smell the roses. Hope you have a great holiday.
Corinne
I am jumping on this website to keep an eye on the new people who are needing my fabulous advice and support (smiling). I didnt work during my 7 hits of chemo, and still havent gone back yet, and have been able to rest when I need to and focus on looking after each annoying side effect. I found that making myself lie on the floor and do my old stretches from way back improved my aches, I found a lot of my discomfort came from lack of movement. I had lots of nice hot bathes, and still do my stretches daily, depending on whats annoying me the most. I need to sleep each arvo for awhile, if I dont, I end up going to bed early. I only do a few jobs each day, like a load of washing, or dust a room, but the movement is good. Each Chemo I started the same, a 5 minutes stroll around the garden on day 10 and then worked up to 15 or 30 mins, depending on how I felt each day. I have re-read the info on this website about exercise and they say do what you can, however, dont over do it, and dont sit around all day. Frustrating, but you have to listen to your own body to work out what too much is. I have the Pilates DVD they sent me, and that has been great, but I dont do it every day. Fatigue is real, and I was warned about it. Mine was worse at the end of the chemo, and glad they gave me a 5 week break before Radiation started. That causes fatigue too, I cant take any tablets, as Im triple negative, so they only have those 2 techniques to back up surgery for me. Both cause an accumulative effect. So the longer you have repeated treatment, the more draining it is. I am now taking Swisse Mulitivitamins, and Magnesium and Calcium for muscles too. But I didnt spend the money on them until I finished chemo. check with your dr. first if you want to take anything. Disrupted sleep during the night will make us tired, and I got up a lot to pee in the beginning, because you need to drink so much water to flush your kidneys out. I drive my car, but aware my focus is shabby, and one day recently I crossed a one way street but looked the other way. So fatigue effects us all in a variety of ways. It removes our patience, concentration, and ability to laugh at stuff we normally do. I found I grabbed a coffee with a friend every now and then, but didnt have the energy to socialise much. It will all come back. What always helps me is to discuss my worries with some-one, or to get fresh air, sunshine or go for a short stroll. (cant call it a walk). I am also learning to not be so hard on myself. If you need to sleep then do. If you have anyone offer to help, take it. I only have my husband to rely on, as we moved to Launceston just before this happens. Its amazing how close we are now we have been through this. A lot of good comes out of it. I have also spent extra time making phone calls to people who care, teaching myself how to paint, and appreciating great books. I am in my 7th month since I found out I have breast cancer, and so far, Im doing ok.... take care. xx Bel
