tired

[Cazy1010]

Hi not been around for a while but I need some advice as you have all helped me before , finished chemo last September then unfortunately had sepsis in November that knocked me for six , and it’s only been 18 months since I lost my husband. This exhausted feeling from chemo does it go xx

[Jacquiemoo]

I’m so sorry for your loss and all you are going through. I was told the affects of chemo can last up to two or more years. Had my last chemo on 5/4/2023 and still have some affects. Mostly exhaustion. Pray you feel better soon..

[Lyndy]

Sending you a hug Cazy1010 from one tired gal to another! It sucks to feel so debilitated all the time (mines from breathlessness and now radiotherapy). But you have had so much to deal with: your poor husband, sepsis and chemo itself.

Maybe have a word with your oncologist just to get your blood checked etc. But my guess is your body needs to rest, at least for the time being. Hope it shifts soon. xx

[Mammi]

so sorry to hear you are feeling so tired but not suprised! Your body is just saying that it’s had enough & needs time to recover. Give yourself a pat on the back for all that you have been through & now it’s time to be selfish & make a fuss of number one! A few ‘ time out ‘ treats , memories that make you feel good & enjoy life .Big hugs Dee X

[lesleysage]

This all sounds very tough indeed, so very understandable you feel so weary. Would it help to sit with a pencil and paper and write a "Be kind to myself" list? Or use a pad of postit notes and jot down ideas, one on each sheet, as the day progresses? When you look at what has come to mind, there maybe two or three you can group in together?

If you want to hear yourself talking over things, why not try the Ovacome support team?

Whatever you do, Cazy1010, take care, be gentle, kind and encouraging to yourself. xx

[Rosado22 in reply to lesleysage]

That’s a lovely idea Lesley. I have written it down in my weekly planner - a be kind to me list - I try and do a lot of treats

[lesleysage in reply to Rosado22]

Oh, Rosado22, so pleased you may do this. I started with this and then moved onto a list of 'What I appreciate - in my life and about myself'. I found this was a 'slower burn list' because it is more reflective; valuable for me, I found.

Fiinally, after a couple of years of surviving and needing to make a number of changes to life, I took up a suggestion from here and wrote a "Dear cancer, thank you for ...." a letter to thank this small part of me that went haywire but which had a huge impact and made me shift, change and introduce things into my life which I may never have done, or made time for, had this not have happened to me.

Warm wishes and keep taking care. xx

[Rosado22 in reply to lesleysage]

I really do think we are quite similar as I have started to appreciate the positive changes I have had over the last two years as well as the ‘battle’. I now have a nice diary just for the positives. I did start with one two years ago but it was much more difficult then. I’m sure I value each day alive much more than I would have done and actually I have done more, even during chemo. I never thought I’d be doing seated Tai Chi at a local hospice and enjoying it and looking forward to going. There are many - some very small things - that have enriched my life which I could never have imagined…. I just plan things very short term and they go in the day diary along with blood pressure readings etc… and positive stuff, quotes etc in the positive only diary - it also has stickers!!! My hair has started growing again, for how long I don’t know as I’ve lost it twice in two years, but I have to say it looks much healthier than all my friends who are still dyeing their hair - and I can just throw on a wig for that freshly styled look! A morning ramble on!!!!

[lesleysage in reply to Rosado22]

Ramble on, Rosado22...lovely to hear all these 'little' things you've done; as you say, it is so often the small things which enrich life. And I never thought of stickers! Good luck and keep wearing the wig with this wisdom you share; thank you so much. xx

[Rosado22 in reply to lesleysage]

Check out stickers- some of the Busy B life planners have them and my Christmas pressie Kate Spade one has too!

[SopSinger]

It takes at least a year for the full effects of chemo to leave your body, and as you are also trying to cope with bereavement, it's bound to be longer than that. Please rest when you need to and pamper yourself a bit. Spend time with the people you love most, or who demand the least of you. Or spend time alone if that's better for you. Sending gentle hugs.

[delia2]

I’m so sorry for your loss and it’s no wonder you feel so tired. I also had sepsis a month after finishing chemo. It took me about eight months to get some energy back and I found both acupuncture and physiotherapy helped. You might find some counseling helpful as well.

[AuntyOrange]

Hi there. Yes as everyone has already said, chemo knocks the life out of you. This current chemo for me is the worst, in terms of exhaustion, that I've had & I've had a few over the past 9 years. It could be the new drug combo or it could be that I'm 2 years older than the last time (72) but whatever it is, it's just another hurdle that I need to jump or climb or crawl over. Whatever it takes. I do try to walk everyday, even if it's only around the yard or to the end of the street. And a bit of yoga, there are some good you tube videos for Chair Yoga that you could try. All that aside, it's not always physical exhaustion that is the problem. 18 months is not a long time & you would still be mourning the loss of your husband. My brother died 2 years ago this month & we are all still feeling that loss, especially his wife. Add all the fears associated with cancer and you must be so so soooo tired. All of the suggestions from your fellow warriors above are good. Take it slow & be very gentle with yourself. You've got this but if some days you don't, just have a well earned rest & try again the next day. Sending love & light 🥰

[Cazy1010 in reply to AuntyOrange]

Thank you so much for your advice it means a lot x

[Leniko]

hi I’m sorry that’s really a lot to digest. I’m so sorry you lost your husband. Yes just try to eat healthy and get lots of rest and you will start feeling better.