Is this level of exhaustion to be expected?

[Sandy-Hants]

I am in 2nd recurrence primary peritoneal. With each chemo I have I am increasingly fatigued. Chemo this time is Carbo/gemticibine on day one and day 8 just gemcitibine. 21 day cycle.

I read how a daily short walk is recommended to help with chemo effects. I literally cannot get out of bed for 5 days apart from for the loo. I need to lay in a dark room, no tele, no radio, no media, just getting through it! Day 9 all okay and I am up and about

Does this happen with anyone else?

Thank you x

[Katmal-UK]

Yep, happened to me. Rest as much as you can, do more when you can and overall be kind to yourself. On a positive note it worked for me xx

[lesleysage]

Hi,

Agree 100% with all Katmal says. There is an App, called Untire which is designed for specifically for those of us wanting to rebuild energy. it's strapline is "Untire helps with cancer-related fatigue." Maybe worth exploring as a 'guide' for this unknown territory? Warm wishes, L.

[Lochawe]

Hi, yes, for the first 6 sometimes 7 days after chemo i can barely get out of bed.. then everything becomes manageable for two weeks till next chemo.. this has been the lattern since i started.. i dont resist it any more 😉. Everyone seems different in the way their body responds but i always feel better or less wimpy when i hear that some others are experiencing ths same, which is why i replied👍

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi there Sandy-Hants

I’m really sorry to hear about your experience with fatigue following chemotherapy. I can see you’ve had some supportive responses from the forum community, so just wanted to share our information resource on managing fatigue that I hope may be of interest:

- ovacome.org.uk/fatigue-booklet

Are your clinical team aware of the impact of your current treatment to your energy levels? A conversation with your oncologist or clinical nurse specialist may be able to offer personalised advice or suggestions to help you through this.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Ovacome support team if it would help to talk things through. You can reply to us directly through this forum, email us at [e-mail] or call our support line on 0800 008 7054 or 07503 682 311. We’re here Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.

Best wishes

Annie

Ovacome support

[Tillymint61]

I too had 2nd line chemo. I started last Sept. Not the same regime but I was completely floored by it for 9-10 days. It really came as a shock as I had gone through previous 6 treatments with quite limited side effects. I did not realise that there is an accumlative effect from chemo (maybe naively! ) Just go with what works for you and make the most of the good days when you do feel up to doing stuff. Good luck.