I had my first Chemo treatment on Friday and so far the only side effect is fatigue. I am trying to work as much as possible in order to keep my sanity. I had to leave work early Monday and Tuesday. Any suggestions on reducing fatigue?
My husband has had 10 treatments now and we never really found much to help with his fatigue. He took lots of naps the first three days after chemo. The only thing that seems to perk him up a bit it getting out for a walk on those days.
My first treatment was four days ahead of yours. I'm feeling much better and I think that part of that is because of exercise and eating a good mix of healthy food plus drinking a lot of fluid. No junk food and nothing sweet except fruit. As you've found out the first two or three days are the worst. I haven't lost any hair yet but that could happen any time now.
I also am just starting chemo & had my first treatment last thursday. I feel pretty good in the mornings then tired in the evenings so try to get done what's needed when I have the energy. I have been feeling lightheaded & not sure why that is unless my hemaglobin is starting to drop. I eat small frequent meals & push water & try to walk every day. I am wondering if the side effects get worse with each treatment or if what you experience will be the same everytime. They haven't really told me that so not sure what to expect. I also cannot eat any spicy foods. bland stuff works the best & protein bars. Everyone tells me keeping a positive attitude is the best thing to do. Stay strong everyone.
Shan,
I hope you are not an airline pilot! You are entitled to feel tired. You are going through fairly toxic treatment for a serious illness. If your boss will allow it, take Mondays off after the treatment. You might just get through Tuesday then. I had the dubious "advantage " of having been very ill and in hospital for some time before I started treatment, so no-one was really expecting anything of me.
Gina Marie,
No-one told you what to expect because no-one knew how it would affect you. For me, the effects worsened slightly as I went through the treatment, but never to the point I couldn't cope. Your aversion to spicy food rings a bell too. 9 years post treatment, I still can't do hot chillis and curries like I used to. But hey, the alternative would be worse.
You both have an experience that is within the normal range, I'd say. You can forget the normal rules for now. Eat when you are hungry, sleep when you are tired, and don't try too hard to push yourself. Before you know it, your treatment will be over, and you can join the growing club of cancer survivors.
Y Worry - the name says it all! You've all got the right idea, and it will soon be over.
I've had 10 chemo treatments and the first week I am really tired. It seems to build on the previous treatment. I have two more treatments to go and I can't wait till this is over. I took off from work, It is hard to keep positive. It is almost over.
"It's hard to stay positive" AND "it's almost over???" In the same sentence??? You're doing fine, Mr Mark, and you'll soon be back to normal. Except that you've survived cancer, and that gives a new perspective. Two to go - count them down!
I just can't wait till this nightmare is over. I have never been home so much doing nothing. I have also never been so tired and unmotivated. My last chemo treatment is July 12th, which can't come soon enough. A total of 12 chemo treatments I think is excessive. Fortunitely I won't have radiation. Less than a month to go.
Mark,
I understand. I had 12 treatments, plus radiotherapy. 12 is standard, although attitudes are changing fast. Better too much than not quite enough, I suppose. Keep the faith!
Mark I am wondering why you had to have 12 chemo treatments. WOW that does seem excessive but I do not know your circumstances either. My Dr told me I will have 6 so is she telling me only 6 & then they keep going depending on how your lymphoma responds? I have follicular stage 3a with no disease in my organs or bone marrow, just in my abd & I think 1 in my chest somewhere. I didn't know that 12 was standard. Like I said I've just had 1 so far & am trying get through one day at a time. I'm glad that you are almost done. Stay strong!
Gina Marie,
Elsewhere on this site is an excellent article by Ross, giving a precis of a study in Germany. That showed that less is more, in effect. Fewer treatments of ABVD led to no significant change in outcome, with fewer long-term ill effects. It's a new study, though, and I expect a lot of oncologists have not yet decided whether to accept it as the new standard. Your doc may be one who has done.