exhaustion

• By Jennali
• Posted June 3, 2009 at 10:06 pm
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The tumor is likely depleting your body of nutrients. In hindsight, fatigue was one of my symptoms, which I chalked up to being a busy mom and homemaker. In remembering it, though, it was extreme. I just didn't connect the dots. Can you take some naps or try to squeeze in some extra sleep? You want to build your strength up as much as possible for surgery and recuperation, and then , I assume, chemo. I guess you know that fatigue will be a fairly constant companion once that starts.

See if you can eat more protein and less carbs. A good B complex might help, in addition to your multi-vitamin. Take lots of C, as your body will need it to repair tissue after surgery.

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• By Sandiestar
• Posted June 3, 2009 at 10:55 pm
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Hi Jenali,

thanks for the advice... I shall go to the chemist this arvo!

So far i haven't had to have any chemo as I am boderline ovc but I can only imagine the fatigue would be large if I feel so drained now.

one day at a time I guess

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• By FavoriteAunt
• Posted June 4, 2009 at 8:22 am
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Having the tumor and whatever else goes on pre-surgery can definitely sap your strength. I had to stop working when I was first diagnosed because of all the pain and discomfort pre-surgery.

Just try to relax and rest as much as you can - though I realize that is very hard when you work full time. Any chance you can work shorter hours for a while? If you do wind up needing chemo, you'll definitely feel tired on a regular basis. It's the nature of the beast. Hopefully, though, you'll have enough time off following surgery to get some strength back. I wish you all the best with everything.

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• By dwm26
• Posted June 4, 2009 at 10:16 am
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vitamin D is also very good to take.

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• By katelynsmamaw
• Posted June 4, 2009 at 10:22 am
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I'm a year post chemo and I still feel tired :(

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• By dollycat6
• Posted June 4, 2009 at 11:07 am
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Over a year since my last chemo and I still need my nap time at least once a day to keep me going. I don't work so I can squeeze it in. Perhaps part time or shorter hours?

dollycat6

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• By curiouscat
• Posted June 4, 2009 at 11:20 am
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I also had borderline and looking back, I was exhausted for a year before the surgery not knowing I had a 10cm mass on my ovary. I would even fall asleep at my desk!

Since the surgery and recuperation I feel a lot more energized. So, you're doctor is probably right that the mass is sapping some of your energy.

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• By Nanamom
• Posted June 4, 2009 at 11:38 am
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I am one year post chemo for stage IIIC disease. After chemo finished I asked my onc what I could do to help myself. He said, "eat well and exercise." I've done this religiously and currently have lots of energy while still working fulltime plus I'm in my 60s. I credit both the diet and the exercise for this. I wouldn't begin an exercise program right before surgery, however, without talking to your doctor.

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• By Mullens
• Posted June 4, 2009 at 11:40 am
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My last treatment for a clinical trial was in April. I am beginning to feel stronger. I try to walk 1.4 miles [I am the slowest person in the park, but I do finish] every other day and exercise on the bike on alternate days for 20 minutes. I was told by the nurses to try and stay active. This helps with sleeping and a little bit with fatigue. I also try to eat more fruits and veggies.
Yes, I am way too fat, but that motivates me to exercise and eat right. I am scheduled to meet with my doctor to begin Doxil in a few weeks.

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• By Sandiestar
• Posted June 4, 2009 at 8:41 pm
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thanks all for advice!

I am already active... I was going to the gym 5 times a week however this has dropped to three most weeks... I always feel better after but its hard to get there... however I will persevere with your words of wisdom!

:)

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• By verlinda
• Posted June 5, 2009 at 1:17 am
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Sleep is a huge healer. Don't feel guilty about sleeping more. Just be sure you exercise, too. (This is definitely a case of "Do as I say, not as I do!")

You've had quite a year. Be as patient and loving with yourself as you would be with your best friend.

Blessings.

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• By momanderson920
• Posted June 5, 2009 at 1:31 am
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My oncologist told me the cancer can make you feel bad. I had my husband buy me a used treadmill right before my surgery and I walked at the beginning literally 5 minutes a day at a snail's pace at my weakest and this was 6-7 weeks postop. I took off the bad chemo days and tried to build myself up very slowly. Now in remission I can easily do an hour of walking, but I built up very gradually. Don't beat yourself up if you just can't do much....it's your body's way to telling you to take it easy, but it wouldn't hurt to walk alittle every day if you can. And when your surgery is over and you are recovered, you might try doing it alittle a time again. I would pray when I walked the treadmill....it was sort of a prayerful meditation time and then I didn't even notice my time on the treadmill. I pray you get that surgery behind and can begin treatment and start fighting and getting rid of that nasty cancer and the time goes quickly. You will be amazed when all that is behind you at how good you will feel again and you will.

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• By tex2step
• Posted June 5, 2009 at 10:52 am
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Before being diagnosed with PPC I was walking four miles in an hour with a friend five days a week. After a year of surgeries and chemo - I found myself exhausted and sitting down after a walk to the car. My doctors checked my blood counts and found that I was mildly anemic and had low magnesium and potassium. This wasn't extremely low, but the combination really took it's tole on me. When these counts were brought back to the high side of normal - I felt like a new person and I am now back to walking. I continue to take magnesium and potassium daily to keep me feeling like my old self.
Just a suggestion......

Stacey

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• By quacker
• Posted June 6, 2009 at 1:15 am
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I too have been battling fatigue, something I never experienced before cancer. One thing that has helped me is red panax ginseng extract, available at most health food stores.

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• By Brown_Eyes
• Posted June 6, 2009 at 12:11 pm
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I just finished chemo, have been working full-time throughout, and had the fatigue build up pretty badly toward the end of it. I'm still recovering from it and haven't gotten very far.

I'm taking a lot of the same supplements as everyone else, drinking whey protein shakes, drinking lots of green tea, etc.

The only thing that has really helped me so far in a way that I can actually notice, is sleep. Going to bed early, taking a nap after work if I need to, and taking melatonin and 2 benadryl each night.

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• By Angel1955
• Posted June 6, 2009 at 2:33 pm
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B Complex, vitamin C and Boost drink!

Angel

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• By Quilter
• Posted June 7, 2009 at 1:59 pm
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I too, feel so tired all the time and take naps most days. I am retired and can do that freely. Still getting chemo. We also bought a used treadmill and have stared being on it 5 minutes at a time. Before surgery I walked 1/2 mile 5 days a week and swam 10 laps 5 days a week so have to build myself up again. It has been 21/2 years since diagnosis and still not back to where I was before this happened but have been getting chemo every year and so that wears me down.

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• By kalo555
• Posted June 10, 2009 at 4:09 pm
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Be sure to talk with your oncologist about any vitamins you are taking. I suggested to mine that maybe I should up my vitamins to help me get through chemo...NO NO..... Vitamins that are meant to boost your immune system(ex Vit C) may counteract the effects of chemo. I was wiped out before surgery and chemo, wiped out during, but it gets better after. Like the others, I have days were I just don't have the umph and could use a nap. Its good to be as active as you can ....keep things moving, but reward yourself as well with some much deserved down time

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