Fatigued 9 days post first chemo treatment

[Pinky-g]

I’m 9 days past first chemo treatment. I’m still struggling to get any energy back. To go to bathroom and back to couch is exhausting. Has anyone else experienced this? My next treatment is less than 2 weeks. I also have zero appetite which I’m sure doesn’t help.

[Katmal-UK]

Hi . Sorry to hear you are so fatigued. I would suggest that you speak with your CNS or the chemo hotline (number on the card you should have been given) just to be on the safe side and get reassurance that everything is ok x

[pishi1]

It does take time to feel less fatigued and also getting your appetite back. I remember it took me ages to feel normal again. I can recommend Ensure plus energy drink which the CNS nurse recommended. All the best.

[Lovedogs41]

Hi there

Sorry to hear your feeling so tired.

I would give your hospital a call,it might be worth a blood test to check your levels and also have you been drinking lots? You may be dehydrated and need some iv fluids.By the way the Ensure drinks are full of sugar,I [edited by moderator] stay away from them and make [my] own fresh juices and smoothies, a great way of getting lots of healthy nutrients into you.

* Square brackets indicate edit by forum moderator.

[Trickysite]

You may find your response to each dose of chemo differs so don’t anticipate it is going to be like this each time. But do call your CNS, as advised.

[Lyndy]

Hello, it’s rotten to feel so debilitated but hang on in there. The third week was always ‘recovery week’ for me, when I felt a bit better and my appetite returned. Hopefully you will get this too. By all means chat to your CNS because they can adjust the dose if you are getting too many side effects. You aren’t going to feel normal for a while, so give in, let people help and do what your body needs you to do xx

[Tillymint61]

Sorry to hear you are having trouble. As others have said try a call to your CNS for chat to either get things checked or for reassurance. The 1st chemo I had caused me problems, mainly what you have said. I was prepared for the next. I went with the 'little and often' approach to food and took the advice of calorie rich bits. Peanut butter! I'd avoided it most of my adult life as a 'fat to be avoided source' but it is good when on chemo as a relatively small amount is packed with energy! Mashed banana. Mashed potatoes made with butter. Had to avoid too much fibre as it played havok with my bowel function(again completely the opposite of normal pre cancer advice I'd live by!)Your body has had a massive toxic shock with first treatment but subsequent treatments should settle.

You must eat. You must hydrate and you must rest.

I know all the above are easier said than done. Sending you a big bucket of kindness for you to tip over yourself.xxx

[TMiPP]

Hi Pinky-g I am sorry you have joined us all on this journey. I only suffered from fatigue as a side effect. I was told before I started the chemo by the oncologist's dietician to eat what I wanted when I wanted - not to worry about high calories and not to use skinny milk but full fat..You need the calories and protein to keep you strong, This does help though I did not have any appetite, I ate 3 times a day plus as many as I could bear during the day.Then there is the excercise bit - I found this a struggle (being naturally lazy!) but persevered by walking to the gate a few times a day and gradually extending how far I went..They say that this helps and it does - but I found it took weeks and weeks. Now I am up to 3000 steps a day which takes me ages but I feel much more lively because of it.

I hope this helps - the most important thing is to be kind to yourself! You are tired so rest. It will get better...Wishing you a successful treatment. Terri

[Ruebacelle]

Welcome but sorry you are so fatigued. Appetite you must eat focus on lean protein greens fruits berries ... fatigue I did short bursts of simple chores walking dog cooking then resting etc. If you are incapacitated by fatigue check in w your treatme t team to ask for their he,p. Hugs from france

[delia2]

Hi. I don’t know when you started feeling awful. My schedule was to get sick on day five and be better by day twelve so had a bit more than a week of feeling okay. You may need hydration. You might be anemic. My team gave me steroids for a longer period and additional anti nausea meds.

[Mommoo65]

I'm so sorry you feel so fatigued. Remember to get your blood levels checked mid way between chemos. Rest, stay hydrated, eat small amounts of any food you want. I think I lived on bananas and mashed potatoes. Food tasted bland no matter what I did, but third week should be a nice turnaround. Appetite returns, energy returns. Just to do it all over again! Hugs, Jill

[Manchesterlady]

So sorry to hear that your so fatigued. I was just the same, my oncologist reduced the dose and I was better after that . He said we always start with the big guns .

[1821]

Hi... Sorry to hear you are having a bad time with the chemo..can I ask what chemo you had.. hopefully your treatment will get easier for you.Much love.

[Saintgermain]

I’m in the states but I drank enterade twice a day for 3 days the first day being chemo no sugar not cheap but worth it. Also I received extra fluids which really helped