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I would like communicate with others who are taking Iressa. I am doing pretty well except for the exhaustion, which is almost always present

Berta56 profile image
9 Replies

Was wondering if anyone has found a solution to this problem. Thanks kindly.

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Berta56
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9 Replies
susanroe profile image
susanroe

Hallo Berta56, I am currently on Iressa too. On my 11th cycle now. I also get the constant exhaustion and sleep as much as i can. I find I get weeks of feeling very very tired, then I do get a few days where I feel able to do a lot more. I find that I have to make the most of the moments I feel okay. Then just give in and rest on exhausting days.

How long have you been on Iressa and do you have any other side effects? like the sore itchy skin.

Sue

Berta56 profile image
Berta56

Hi Sue,

You described it perfectly. I've been on iressa since October. Some days there is overwhelming exhaustion, other days more energy. I can't seem to find any patterns or cycles in this though. Do you? Do you eat certain foods that give more energy? Do you

work? do sports? I was always an active, energetic person, so this weakness is so frustrating to me. All in all, it seems to be working, so can't complain.

About the itchy skin, I have that too (plus ingrown toenails!). I have found that pure jojoba oil helps me. I put it on my skin after every shower.

Thanks for your comments.

Roberta

kaitoula profile image
kaitoula

Hello Berta, i am on Iressa since last year, March the 5th , so i am taking it for a year , thank God, i am doing well, my tumor has shrunk, from 5cm to 0,9cm, i also feel tired, and i really love sleeping, i had stopped working for a while, but, now i am back at work, for the past 2 months, and i am doing very well. My big problem with Iressa ,is the skin problems, the spots on my face, which look bad, like you i get very itchy, i have been much worst, then i am now, and to be honest i have been using for my body the E45 cream, which is amazing.It wasnt easy for me to get it, i had to order it from the States, since its not found in Europe, and i am from Greece, but its worth it.

I hope everything goes well, take care

angels5454 profile image
angels5454 in reply to kaitoula

Hi Kaitoula, could you tell me if the irressa worked for you? Only I need to start taking this drug. I am very anxious about taking it but must give it a try. Hope your feeling ok.

Chris

Berta56 profile image
Berta56

Hello Kaitoula,

Thanks for your response and I'm happy you're doing well. For the dry skin I use Eucerin products for face cleansing and jojoba oil after the shower on face and body. This is keeping the dryness under control.

The worst problem for me is the fatigue. Do you have any suggestions for dealing with it?

Thanks and be well.

Roberta

Twiggysand profile image
Twiggysand

Hi Berta56, my husband has been on Iressa since Sept 2013, he is able to work part-time and needs to just sit quietly at times just to rest. I've learned to just give him the chance to recharge when he gets home, or we've been out, as it's not just the physical but the mental fatigue that effects him. He can sleep for England and needs to go to bed earlier and sleep later (10pm-8am at least) and generally doesn't need a sleep in the day. I think that the tiredness doesn't hit him always on the day but on the following day, so if he's been doing more he allows himself the chance to take it gently.Hope this helps.

Sandra

Berta56 profile image
Berta56 in reply to Twiggysand

Hi Twiggysand,

Thanks for your comments. Do you know if your husband is eating any special foods to keep his energy up?

Be well,

Roberta

Twiggysand profile image
Twiggysand

Hi Roberta, No nothing in particular, we have a healthy balanced diet. In fact he loves a bit of homemade cake and the scales are slowly creeping up, so have to be careful! We sort of figure that as time is shorter that a little of what you fancy is good for your morale too. Sandra x

Berta56 profile image
Berta56 in reply to Twiggysand

Agree with you, Sandra. Thanks.

Roberta