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Rectal Cancer Patient, Elderly, Fatigue-- Help?
My father is almost 82. He has rectal cancer. With chemo pills and radiation it went away. He did not want to get infusion chemo or the surgery, and it has come back. He doesn't have any good options, obviously, and as a caregiver it appears he just wants to try to live with it.
My problem is that he's becoming very fatigued. I know it's the cancer. Is there anything he can do to help alleviate this? He's afraid he won't be able to walk soon. It's so sad because 3 years ago he was fine.
Please, no judgment. My dad's surgeon said surgery would be very hard on him, his oncologist said the chemo would be almost intolerable, even though the both recommded it. I just want to know if you know of any strategies to deal with the fatigue.
Thank you.
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I’m sorry to read about your situation. Your father’s decision is completely understandable. I hope others will support him and you in his journey.
Does he have care in the home? Like for household duties, meal prep, medication management, laundry, etc. Has he talked to his doctor about palliative care? Maybe, his doctor could suggest something to help him rest at night, so he’ll get sound sleep. Have they checked his vitamin levels? Is he dehydrated? I’ve heard that Vitamin infused IVs can boost energy. They even have boutiques that offer this service, though I’d check with doctor first. I hope you get more ideas.
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1 ReactionI care for him. I cook meals and scheduel doc appointments, medications.
He wants to still do what he used to do, which was feed the horses, just be able to walk.
We haven't looked into IV drips. I have been giving him iron and b12 to help with his energy because he does bleed and I thought that was making him weak (anemia).
Otherwise I give him plenty of protein. I have a cane and a walker and told him not to be ashamed to use it.
But it's just a bleak time. I will send a question in to his doctor about possible vitamin drips or something. Thank you.
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3 ReactionsMy parents get very frustrated they are not physically able to do what they want and they do not have cancer. They get incredibly frustrated by it. I suppose it’s a process for them to adjust. I encourage them to conserve their energy. Their doctor is encouraged as they are in their 80s.
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2 Reactionscheck or ask about B12 levels in blood tests, sometime oral B12 is not absorbed by intestines, the alternative is to be given B12 shots at doctors office
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2 ReactionsProtein drinks might help. My parents (90 and 85) drink one daily to help them not feel not so fatigued.
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1 ReactionThanks I will look into this
I’m considering starting a protein shake myself. I’ve been making my own smoothies with greek yogurt and almond milk, but want a change. Just keep in mind lots of protein drinks can cause constipation, if not enough water is also consumed. I encourage my parents to drink things like Ensure, but they aren’t wild about them for some reason.
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2 ReactionsI was prescribed Ensure Advanced in-between my two recent surgeries. I didn't like it at all. The smell made me nauseous and I didn't like the taste. I believe it is part of the reason why I was so bloated that my intestine got paralized.
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1 ReactionMaybe, that’s why they don’t seem to enjoy it. I need to get something nutritious, especially for my mom. She has vitamin deficiencies and her diet is poor.
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1 ReactionOn the other hand, my mother-in-law loves the regular Ensure. Again, the smell of it makes me nauseous when I pick up her empty bottles.