Will my extreme fatigue ever lift?
For me, fatigue is the worst with bone pain a strong second. Have been at this for 3.5 years now since my first bone marrow test back in January of 2021. Was diagnosed with CMML and did 6 months of chemo which did nothing for me except make me sick and created a lot of pain. After this timeframe, I transferred my cancer care to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. in July of 2021 Currently meeting with my Oncologist every 4 months to review blood tests. I am always asked about the fatigue & pain but there really is not much that can be done about it. For me, it is getting worse every passing month. After each of my chemo sessions I fell asleep for a half hour. Today my naps are close to 2 hours and I sleep all night long. My daily 5 mile walks are now down to three miles. My yard and house work which I used to do all day long are now down to two hours. Blood cancer hits each of us in different ways but from all that I read fatigue is common to us all.
The fatigue of cancer is real and it can be debilitating, as I always say. It doesn't get talked about enough but it is one of the worst symptoms of the illness, direct or indirect. You can sleep more, and that can help, but it doesn't eliminate it and the that adds stress, which as you know can make everything worse and that leads to more fatigue and 'round and 'round we go. I have been in remission for two years and I still get that fatigue hit for a day or two every few months. It is inconvenient, to say the least. You are not alone! Keep on keepin' on, DPM Yes, fatigue is the common denominator that has been experienced by many in the community. I can tell you someone in remission of multiple myeloma and post-treatment... the fatigue is still a lingering thing. I would say just do as you're doing, which is do what you can even if it's in small spurts throughout the day or week. I use exercise as it helps give me a buzz of energy. You learn to follow and listen to your body and adjust accordingly. Wishing you the very best!
Yolanda (Team Member)
