Partner very tired

[chaplins10]

My partner as stage 3c ovarian cancer had 3 cycles of chemo which did not work.So was put on the Rotterdam Regime 6 cycles her last one was on the 15th of December.Been for CT scan today with results on Tuesday seeming to rule out operation.Its been over 3 weeks since last cycle she seems to be very very tired is this normal?Craig.

[Leeds2015]

Can't comment on the specific regime, but after 9 rounds of chemo the body's immune system will be very low and as a result you can feel very fatigued. I am nearly 5 weeks since my final treatment and I am still tired. Exercise does help if your partner can get out for a few walks.

[Susan3]

Hi

Just wanted to say I was very tired after first line chemo for a few months . It takes awhile for chemo to work its way out of your system . My surgeon said ovarian cancer was different to other cancers in that the chemo was main treatment rather than surgery , in fact they aren't sure if surgery is of any benefit . Obviously difficult to find this out as not ethical to do a trial .hope you get good news on Tuesday . In sure tiredness will improve in time . Maybe you could book short break or holiday in a few weeks the mental exhaustion is as hard as the physical . It's common to become a bit depressed and anxious once you stop treatment . I really struggled with anxiety and did counselling which helped.

[Lily-Anne]

They usually rule out surgery if it will be of no benefit. There is a German trial which is looking into the benefits of chemo alone or surgery and chemo, it will be a couple of years before the results are available. I understand the Rotterdam regime is very intense and tiring, if her body needs sleep then it's a good idea to listen. I fought the sleep feeling first time round and it was a mistake.

I found I was quite tearful too, lack of sleep and the intensity of cancer can be really exhausting, especially when the mind goes into over drive. It may be worth reading through some of the results of the different regimes.

Best wishes

LA

[chaplins10]

Hi Ladies thanks for your comments maybe a break away is the answer.I have taken time off work to support her which is helping the both of us.Craig.

[Whippit]

Dear Craig

You and your partner have been through the mill. The Rotterdam Regime is a tough combination of agents that is known to be very debilitating. It's not surprising your partner is exhausted after the emotional turmoil you've both been through and then taking on this tough regime.

I hope this forum might help you both. Please keep posting to let us know how you are. It's not just the patient that needs support but the carers too.

love Annie

[chaplins10 in reply to Whippit]

Thanks Anne will do.

Craig x

[Taichipat]

Dear Craig,

There is no normal. We are all different and the Rotterdam Regime is the toughest I think. I finished this in September but unfortunatelty when I was on the Etoposide Tablets alone the disease progressed. It has been successful for some I am informed. I am now on Gem/Cisplatin and am finding more chemo without a break very dibilitating especially on the bloods. My scan on 23rd January. Hoping your partner's results are favourable. She may or may not feel like a holiday/break I didn't as have never felt up to it and felt I wouldn't have enjoyed it if I was so tired. Go with the flow its the only way. If she feels up to it go for it....Good luck to you both.

Love Patx

[chaplins10 in reply to Taichipat]

Thanks Pat take care.

Craig x

[chaplins10 in reply to Taichipat]

How were the side effects when just on the Etoposide tablets.

Craig x

[Taichipat in reply to chaplins10]

No real side effects, was very lucky but we are all different and all through chemo I have suffered from bowel problems but that is the nature of chemo. Some are more affected than others. Just tiredness which passes. All things pass I tell myself. Take care. Patx

[Bliney]

I also had three cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxol which did not work next was switched to weekly paclitaxol with three weekly carboplatin with avastin which did seem to have some effect. Not sure why surgery is not an option. I was repeatedly told that my tumour was inoperable, but after seeking a second and then third opinion I eventually had lower and upper GI and vascular surgery and all visible cancer was removed. It may be worth seeking a third and fourth opinion on surgery from several different specialist cancer centres.

[chaplins10 in reply to Bliney]

Thanks very much found this very helpful Craig.

[Hidden in reply to chaplins10]

Hi Craig, it is normal to feel wrecked after any chemo regime. Your partner now has to try and regain her strength by short walks even around the house first and then outside. If she doesnt want to walk in the neighbourhood like some of us, bring her out to a nice park with trees or near water, that is actually restful. Perhaps you could also check to see if there is a support group in your area for cancer patients and their families. I found this beneficial but some may disagree with me. It is a huge step to go and speak with a stranger but in a way its better than speaking with a family member as most counsellors are well trained. Light reflexology may also help. I think you are great to care so much and well done. Do come back on with any questions you may have at any time and someone will have an answer for you/

.

[chaplins10]

Thanks Suzuki some very useful comments.

Take care Craig x