I’m on Avastin as well. I have been on Avastin alone since last August when chemo ended. In my case, chemo didn’t get rid of all my tumors so I’m on it until for some darn reason the cancer adjusts to it and my tumors start growing again.

Originally, I thought of Avastin as very benign. I guess compared to chemo it is. I really wasn’t sure what side effects to attach to it. Mostly, I’ve had severe fatigue which really affects my ability to do much. I tell people that I have 3 good hours in me each day and then I’m done. I was confused whether the fatigue was the result of a long period of not feeling well and being too inactive. Recently, I’ve learned that it’s probably a side effect of the Avastin.

I was a fairly active person; a gardener, hiker, etc. I had retired and I wanted to work part-time and volunteer work as well. I haven’t figured out how to either of those, although I am able to volunteer at our hospital’s infusion center for a few hours one day a week. Anyway, I’ve had a really hard time accepting the pretty severe fatigue I’m experiencing. Recently, I started attending a women’s cancer group and discovered that I’m not alone on this. Knowing that has allowed me to be more accepting of the situation I’m in.

We are all different and can respond to medications and treatments differently. I don’t know if you will experience a level of fatigue with Avastin that’s frustrating or not. I just wanted to say that if you do, know that it isn’t a personal flaw in you and be kind to yourself.