fatigue from chemo

Tomboy

{2}  When i was helping my friend sally through the last six months of her life, last year, {she had brain cancer, not breast,} I know the dexamethasone increased her appetite and energy level. Funny thing. On her birthday this year, i got diagnosed with breast cancer.  hmmmm. So, yesterday I recieved my 2nd chemo infusion, and was rembering how actually almost normal I felt energy level wise, and apetite wise with the 3 days of dexamethasone before during and the next day after chemo. I understand that the long term "special effects" of decadron are wasting of the muscle, thin skin, water weight gain and moon face , abdomen larger, just like any steroid. Have any of you been able to talk your med onc. into giving you avery low prescription for them, Just for the days when things really must get done? plus i was down to 106 pounds from my normal  (skinny all my life !) 120 pounds on a 5' 5" frame. so any help with app is good.  After my surgery, the cancer isnt sucking so many nutrients , yesterday at drs. I was already up to 112!  Thanks. Its Just I am supposed to be ready for my very first solo art show ever, Its in memorium to my friend sally, in november, Musings on mortality, the meaning of life.... all the important things. I will push though, i hope! but any of your experiences on this topic would be greatly appreciated. I did not waste my decadron energy today, though cleaned,shopped laundry, organised notes, phone calls...Good!   10*3*12

vlnrph

Dexamethasone is used in brain cancer to control swelling & inflammation. For BC, we take it in order to diminish the nauseating effects of chemo. I could not sleep well on it and had my doctor's permission to reduce the dosage.

Steroids are a "feel good" med but never prescribed simply for energy! If you are anemic, that should be addressed. My oncologist brought up the possibilty of Provigil (modafanil) in case fatigue and/or chemo-brain interfered with my ability to work: perhaps yours would be open to allowing a trial of that. There are other things that can help appetite such as mirtazapine. A dietitian should have good advice on nutrition and weight issues  

The art show sounds wonderful. Hope your efforts to honor your friend are appreciated by all who view it. Hang in there, cut yourself some slack in other areas if need be. The dust bunnies can multiply to their heart's content. Cobwebs in the corner of the ceiling are a seasonal decoration this time of year...  

Momine

My onc wanted to limit the amount of steroids I took to the minimum needed. You really don't want to burden your liver and system generally with any more poison than absolutely necessary.

The best remedy for chemo fatigue is exercise and careful eating. Even on the worst days, I tried to go for a walk or something. Often once you get moving you start feeling better and end up walking further than you thought you could.

I treated food as medicine. Even if I didn't feel like eating, I would make myself eat something at set times. Try to eat as many fruits and veggies as you can possibly stomach and make sure to get some proteins. Walnuts and other nuts are good for snacks and add healthy, nutritious calories.

This was one of my standard chemo breakfasts, and I came to like so much that it has stayed post-chemo. Buckwheat, kefir, nuts and berries are all good for you and the eggs add protein.

1 cup buckwheat flour

1/4 cup rolled oats 

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Whick above together well.

Separately whisk together:

1.5 cups kefir

2 eggs

Stir wet into dry and add a handful of chopped or sliced nuts, could be walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts along with a large handful of fresh or frozen berries, raspberries and blueberries both work well.

Cook as usual with a little oil or butter.

I eat these dry, because my blood sugar was creeping up during chemo. The cinnamon makes it seem like they are sweet.