Rectal Cancer Patient, Elderly, Fatigue-- Help?

Posted by jmy75 @jmy75, May 19 10:33pm

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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@verol65

Protein drinks might help. My parents (90 and 85) drink one daily to help them not feel not so fatigued.

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My wife will not drink 90% of the protein drinks
She will drink Orgain protein drink it's organic and of course more exspensive

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I do not have any practical medical advice
I pray that the living God that I know has saved me,will give him the peace and wisdom in this very difficult time. Jesus Christ is there.
John 10:10

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@cgs

My wife will not drink 90% of the protein drinks
She will drink Orgain protein drink it's organic and of course more exspensive

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The eritrol in Orgain gives me diarrhea.

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There is one type of Orgain that has milk. Blue label And the grass feed is green she likes the green label, not the blue label vegetable feed both are Orgain.
Hope that helps.

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@jmy75, I thought I would check in. How are you and your dad doing?

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@celia16

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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