I feel so tired on this chemo. Avistan. Gem. Carbo. Does anyone else feel so tired. All i want to do is sleep and more sleep. Does it go.

[marianc]

Im glad for the chemo. Just need some energy.

[Izzystep]

Hi there. I have just finished 6 cycles of gem/carbo and Avastin. Now just Avastin.

Yes tiredness is a big side effect of this stuff. I never had much nausea which was good, but very tired all the time. I used to sleep whenever I felt like it. I didn't do much at all and I hope you have someone to support you through this. It does get better. Tell the oncologist, they may reduce the mg if it's really bad and affecting you too much.

Good luck, Irene xxx

[jennybutler]

Boy yes it made me sooooo tired for 2 weeks after treatment then picked up for 2 weeks due again this Friday all I wanted to do was sleep felt so weak no energy at all. I was on caeylx and carboplatin only 5 more to go lol. worse still I had to work through it, next time I have arranged cover.

Take care love jenny xxx

[marianc]

Thanjs guys. I thought that something was seriously wrong with me. I usually have so much energy. I use to work 3 jobs. 1 full time. Run a house and manage another one. Go gym and do so much.

Now i go to bed at 7pm Wake up a 7am still tired. Never felt like this on taxol ir catbo.

Im lucky i got lots if help and my children are adults. Im on sickleave. But i want to be able to just manage as much as i can.

Im so grateful for this site. Its gives me reassurance and answers.

thanks again.x

[iamstillme]

Hi I was the same I am now just on the avastin, tiredness not quite as bad and managing back at work but still ready for bed very early

Ally x

[ScardyCat40]

I was on this regime between November and January and the first week after the steroids wore off I would feel really bad and slept more. I live alone and found taking car of myself very hard work even having a shower could be exhausting

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Marian. I can honestly say I was totally exhausted on Chemo but within 5 weeks of finishing I went back to work fulltime. I, like Scardy, was so exhausted self care was even so exhausting. In fact I used to stand in shower and my partner used to wash me down, how bad does that sound now? Within 3 weeks of finishing chemo I decorated the living room - im a bit stubborn pushing myself, energy takes a while to come back but with good food, sleep etc it will come back. I wish you well. xx

[marianc]

Your wondrful ladies. That has helped. I know we all live in different parts of the country but i would love to meet as many members of this site. Can we arrange a gathering.

[MargaretJ]

Hi!

I do not know if this helps as I am 73 and not on your regime! I am allergic to carbo, do not qualify for Avastin, 20 cycles of daily taxol failed to affect the regrowth and they even grew! I have just had my second dose of 4 weekly palliative caelyx. Exhaustion has been a problem for me throughout. Worst, on my first chemo, in 2009. In the first week! I was working and took sick leave. My employers gave me a year (which was contractual) and I meant to go back but at the end of the year I really felt unreliable and it was vital, in my job, to be available on the day, replacements could not be found last minute and clients had to be sent away. Since then I have had other chemos and I have continuing intermittent exhaustion. I have adjusted my life to some degree to accommodate! I do things needing energy in the morning and evening and rest when I need to! I go to the theatre a lot as I organise a group and friends are primed to dig me in the ribs if I doze off and snore! I live alone, have help for the things I find too demanding, such as carrying the vac up 2 flights of stairs! I drive, have a blue badge and a folding stick to balance the neuropathy in my feet but yesterday I had my bike out and cycled into town and back (either end of a day out) I am about to try getting back to the gym and the pool as i have the beginning of diabetic retinopathy and need to get more exercise. The diabetes is steroid induced and I have gained nearly 3 stones since I started weekly taxol last September!

All I can say is listen to your body and follow it! I hope it helps! My chemo is palliative!

Margaret!

Margaret!

[jennybutler in reply to MargaretJ]

Margaret I believe all chemo. is palliative with ov it cannot be cured only taken back. we are lucky with our type of cancer that it can be helped with chemo. Many can,t.

love Jenny xx

[Hidden in reply to jennybutler]

Dear Jenny,

Not all ovarian cancer is palliative, for instance when some people are first diagnosed... chemo is sometimes given with curative intent, it only becomes palliative if the cancer was found advanced on diagnosis or if there is a recurrence after initial surgery and chemo..I say this only because it might worry people that are newly diagnosed.. Love x G x

[jennybutler in reply to Hidden]

yes Gwyn I agree some caught early can be cured as many on this sight will agree.Thank you for pointing this out.

Love Jenny xxx

[MargaretJ in reply to jennybutler]

Glad to meet someone else with my views! Not many are prepared to face the unpleasant truth. What I actually meant is that mine is now"officially" palliative! Be prepared for the backlash!

Personally I am pragmatic, have the treatment and asapt as best I can! I live alone and face my demons as far as possible. Another organisation that I support has put a video on Utube!

Margaret!

[Catharine in reply to MargaretJ]

Dear Margaret

You are an inspiration. Thanks for writing. My chemo is just palliative too and I agree with all yr advice. Keep calm and carry on, most of all sleep when your body wants to and enjoy life will you can. All will be well.

[Hidden]

Dear Marianc,

I haven't replied earlier because I have no experience of the chemo regime you are on, I can say though having had three courses of chemo I found I was fatigued with them all, and even five months out of chemo I sleep best part of the time, and feel completely wiped out... I now find this is my "new norm"

I hope things will improve for you best wishes love x G x

[kittykatE]

Im doing taxol, carbo and avastin every three weeks. My first week was yucky but next two good. My oncologist said I could take B12 dissolvable pills everyday. I really think it helps. Maybe that will help you too.

[MargaretJ]

Come to think of it At my age it is great to be able to blame chemo and not old age!

There is a positive side to everything!

LOL!

Margaret!