So Fatigued

[Alfie2024]

Hi There,

My partner has stage 4 SCLC diagnosed 26th July. It has not responded to first line platinum chemo and has infact got bigger as it is resistant and we have decided to not proceed with any other type of chemo as there does not seem much point. We know that time is very limited and he is now home after a hospital stay as his cancer has caused atrial fibrilation and his heart is now affected. He has always been very active, playing golf, swimming, loves sport, walking our collie dog on the beach. We live in a beautiful part of North Scotland but since last week he is so fatigued he can barely get up the stairs let alone walk on the beach anymore. He is pumped full of drugs and steriods but these have not given him any energy and we are both finding it so hard to find anything to keep our minds occupied. We feel like all we do is sit on the sofa, hug and kiss each other and are just waiting for the inevitable to happen. How do other people deal with this extreme tiredness and despair?

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi Alfie2024

I am sorry to hear of the very difficult situation you and your partner have found yourself in, in such a short amount of time with so many emotional and physical changes to cope with. I hope you will find some comfort and practical advice from reaching out on this forum . In previous posts it has been suggested that planting bulbs , herbs or seeds in window boxes or planters can provide a focus, watching them progressing . Bird feeders placed were the birds can be watched feeding . Writing, drawing or sketching about happy memories such as your beach walks. Writing letters to family or friends may be a distraction and provide a focus in your day. Planning and cooking meals together can be enjoyable. Gentle exercise at home , from chair can be beneficial , some useful exercise suggestions can be found in our Living with Lung Cancer booklet (page 50-54) I hope you find some of these suggestions useful , if you have any other questions and would like to talk to someone you can call our free and confidential Ask the Nurse service on 0800 358 7200 or by emailing [e-mail]

Best wishes

[Cockailschemocancer]

Hi Alfie I can’t imagine what this is like for you both. Have you been referred to a hospice that maybe can help organise some trips out for you both that you can enjoy? Plus anything else that they offer for complimentary therapy. I would 100% work with them, they really should be able to help with some ideas that your partner can do and will enjoy x

[Gingergus]

Hello Alfie - this very much echoes my recent thoughts, and I fully understand how you are feeling. I'm on the point of giving up on treatment because I feel there's very little that I'm able to do. I'm at least going to buy a wheelchair, just for the pure pleasure of being taken outdoors and feeling the wind in my face.

It's a dreadful disease isn't it - I could never have visualized myself as so helpless and dependant on others.

I hope you can try and make something of whatever time you can spend together.

All the very best to you both. xx