Easing fatigue

[crecco]

Hi! As I stated in an earlier reply, I'm new to this site. (just found it last nite) I am currently on a Gemzar alone chemo regime and am happy with the results. The only complaint I have is the fact that it completely drains me for about 3 days and about the time I begin to feel normal again, its time to go back. Can anyone offer any advice on easing the fatigue? I'm ready to stand on my head all day if thats what it takes. Thank you!

[crecco]

I'm not sure of the dosage of Gemzar I am on, but my con. has never reccommended anything for me. I am on a 3 week on 1 week off schedule which I just started the first of Aug. My counts have been good except when it came time for my third treatment. Both white and red counts were too low so I was given boosters for both and that was considered my week off. The following week the dosage was lowered a bit and I finally made it through 3 in a row. This is my week off! I'm still not really at my best, but it's a lot better. Try not even to think about next Monday, not yet any way. I have to say that I also pretty well give into the fatigue, preferring to sleep and not doing much of any thing else. I know that rest is what my body needs, but I can't stand not being able to do a lot of the things I used to.

[milashka]

Walking was recommended to me by my doctors. Thankfully I have a dog that HAD TO be walked so I did, every morning. Some days just around the block, some days a nice long walk.

A lot of women I met during chemo treatements ried to fight fatigue at all cost - it's such an inconvenience to be sick, isnt it? I preferred to give in to the fatigue and gave my body what it needed - rest. Lots of rest between walks, household chores, doctors appointments etc. On most days, I slept 15 hours.

[gah_70]

I am also on Gemzar as a single agent, and find it kicks my butt, too.  Do you know what doseage you are on?  I am already anemic, so it just adds to the problem.  My doc is going to start Arenesp this week since Procrit never has worked for me.  My doc has never been big on B12, but I wish he was.  I think it would help matters.  The only thing he suggests is to make sure I get plenty of protein to help the cells regenerate.  How often do you have chemo?  

Gail

[freshair]

I recommend sublingual B12. It helps me. I have a sublingual B12 with B6 and Folic Acid. I get it from Trader Joe's and it tastes good also. Then I'll swallow a B50 when I need it.  

I am glad that Gemzar is working for you. When did you start it and do you do it once a week for 3 weeks. Did it bring your numbers down the first month?

Also when you are tired you don't want to do anything. I walk, garden, cook a lot, get out, etc. move, move, move,. Of course on those really bad days I lay low. The more active I am the less fatigue.

Welcome to the site.

[alanpvegas]

crecco,

rmarie is right...have them check your red blood cell counts (which they should be doing anyways before chemo).  With chemo, fatigue is almost commonplace and rest doesn't make it go away (unfortunatley).

[rmarie]

How are your blood counts?  I was getting very wiped out and found out I was anemic.  I am on doxil and it takes my energy the 3rd day after, and then I start to feel better.  I wish there was a kinder gentler way to tackle this cancer.  Good luck to you.