I haven't read or posted on this site for many months. I've thought about it but just didn't do it. I've wanted to try to catch up on what has happened with other members who were on here when I first joined (probably about a year ago)...now I can't remember who they were!
I do have a question, though. Does the brain fog ever go away? And I still have episodes of extreme fatigue, what about that? I had my last chemo in Sept. 2016, have been doing very well...of course, holding my breath every time "the checkup" comes around.
I still have much, much stress & anxiety in my life. I know I've mentioned in the past that my husband is in a facility because of Alzheimer's Disease, so there's that, plus now he also has bladder cancer. His problems, combined with mine can be overwhelming, although I seem to be handling things rather well. That's just a little background, but my main question is about my fatigue. I've wondered if it's a sign that something else is around the corner for me or is it that chemo has permanently changed my system, or is it just old age creeping up (I'm 75...maybe it's no longer creeping up, but hitting me full force!)....wish I could be sure. Anyway....
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Minniemay
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you have got so much going on it's hardly surprising you're tired, I'm so sorry your husband now has cancer, as if both he and you hadn't already got enough going on, life can be really cruel sometimes.
I found that the fatigue took around 12-18months to fully go and feel I can now say I mostly have my energy back, I'm rapidly galloping towards 63 so I don't have the energy I had when I was younger and especially from before my cancer diagnosis, under normal circumstances we possibly wouldn't notice our gradually diminishing energy levels but factor in chemo and we become hyper aware of any changes and let's be honest the chemo really does give us a good old bashing in so many ways. As for brain fog well sometimes I think I'm back to normal then other times I'm just totally and utterly gormless, I'm really good with numbers but my common sense has left the building.
I hope you start to feel more like you very soon, I take vitamin B12 for my energy levels and feel it has played a part in my energy returning to normal. I'm currently in your lovely country having a fabulous holiday in Manhattan. Take lots of care and happy 4th of July ❤️Xx Jane
Hi. Stress is exhausting, and you seem to have loads of it at present. I sympathise with the brain fog, as i can't imagine how I held down a job a little over a year ago! No way could i do it now. My brain has turned to mush, let alone the fact that my energy is at an all time low. I have just bought myself a sudoko book that i am working through, in an effort to exercise any little brain cells that are still functioning!
I tried mindfulness for fatigue and brain fog. I did 6 weeks in 2016 and 2017. V helpful over time . Fatigue still an issue but improving. Brain fog improving but not gone. All a long-term work in progress I think . Good luck 🤗
MinnieMay I finished treatment 19th September 2016 and still had severe fatigue and myalgia, my gp done blood tests and said my VitD was very low and my thyroid numbers where chaotic.
After 3 weeks taking Vitamin D I could feel the difference, also now on anti thyroid medication I feel great. You have been through so much between yourself and your husband your bound to be worn out.
I am taking Vit. D, & have no thyroid (removed 20 years ago due to cancer!). Take Synthroid & have thyroid function checked 2-3 times a year. No excuses for me there, I guess...
Minnie, stress contributes to memory problems and degrades our overall health. You have so much to deal with right now my heart goes out to you. I'm 11 months NED and some days I think I must have Alzheimer's because I can't remember anything. That worries me as much as the thought of recurrence. Chemo accelerates aging. After 34 weeks of it I need hearing aids and now have cataracts. None of that bothers me because those things can be fixed. I'm thrilled to be here now and feel good. My energy is slowly improving, but I find myself simply running into a wall and needing naps. I also cannot concentrate on intense projects for long. My brain just freezes and I have to stop whatever I'm doing because I cannot concentrate for long periods. I'm so grateful to still be here, I accept this "new normal". Hugs to you. T
Welcome back. You really have got such a lot going on in your life & although you seem to be handling things very well both with yourself & your husband there is no doubt that stress does make you tired.
I am 72 & finished my chemo March 2016 & I have to say that in the past couple of months I feel that I do have much more energy than I did previously. If I tend to overdo things then I try to relax the following day,but of course this is not always possible. I feel like you regarding the cancer returning as in one sense that fear is always lurking in the back ground,but I suppose this is to be expected in a way.
Look up neurogenesis. Brain cells that die do not regenerate BUT new brain cells form, at any age, from using your brain. Certain activities are particularly helpful. Learning a new language, doing crossword puzzles and so forth. Also exercise like walking help with fatigue and vitamin B12. All those things help relieve stress, of which you have plenty
Hi Minniemay yes you have a lot to contend with at the moment. To answer your question fatigue is normal post chemo. We don't get back to where we were. In addition I am sure you have a lot of running around to see your husband and additional worry 're his illness. Do take time for you too
Thank you for the input....appreciate it. I just saw my PCP today, blood work looks good, blood pressure perfect, etc., but my legs also now become weak & wobbly after running errands (not that I'm actually running!!). Just not much strength. Sigh....but as others have said, at least I'm here, I'm alive. Dr. did increase my anti-depressant though. I get into some real funky moods lately, have to talk myself into getting out of bed in the morning....& they have been bright & sunny. Used to be my favorite time, outside on the front porch with my coffee. That seems to be a thing of the past, at least for the time being. Oh well, one day at a time, one wobbly step at a time.
Hi Minniemay, welcome back. I'm sorry to hear your husband has been hit with a double whammy. Life just isn't fair sometimes!
Macmillan have a booklet about coping with fatigue.
I'm 57 and I get tired too, sometimes worse than others, it depends on what I've been doing. You've been through a lot and it takes time to recover from it all. Please kind to yourself and try not tyo expect too much. Ann xx
minnie may...just realised Ididn't ever reply to your question about IVF. Is in vitro fertilisation..my kids born when I was 54! Probably...in my book... caused my cancer and am sure was very selfish. However no regrets from me....just hope the kids remain pleased they were born!
Hope you,re recovering from the brain fog....you,ve had a really rough time...hope your husband is doing as well as can be expected too Chris x
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Post-op pain four months after.
Start date for Chemotherapy at last
B B F C otherwise known as Bloody Bollocks to ####### Cancer.
No, I've not been captured by aliens. Just sick and playing Nana.
