Tired: On immunotherapy and I want my strength back

Posted by Donna @stimey60, Oct 13 9:11am

I was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer almost three years ago, had a lobectomy and chemo. It came back in a year a small spot ,radiation and chemo. Scans just show scaring
Taking immunotherapy now have for almost 6 months now so far so good. But im so tired! Some days I can barely get out of bed. I want to get some strength back. I go to the gym and walk so far i can manage a half a mile.
First why am I so tired? It's been 7 months since the treatment. And more can I do to get some strength back?

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frouke | @frouke | Oct 13 12:53pm

Hi Donna, I wanted to let you know that I understand how you are feeling, mentally and physically exhausted, being tired is your body and mind trying to get stronger. It’s a hard battle we fight and you have had a lot to go through, now is when you take some steps to get yourself back but please always remember that you’re a strong person and that’s what matters most, be patient with yourself and don’t set too many goals for the time being, I know you will eventually feel better and regain more strength in time and it’s okay to allow yourself to feel tired because you are a warrior, best wishes to you for a healthy recovery.

Donna | @stimey60 | Oct 13 1:31pm

Thanks
Im just tired of being tired!
I've got things to do!
I go on european trips every year and I want to keep going! I've got to much to see!

mamajite | @mamajite | Oct 13 3:03pm

hi @stimey60 - I take Tagrisso and it definitely makes me feel fatigued. exercise is supposed to help the most - but I didn't have the energy to do much at all. my care team recommended trying ginseng (as a boost) and it has really helped me. I would check with your team to make sure it's ok with your meds, but it has improved my quality of life (and helped me travel!) this is the one I take that my cancer center recommended.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K6URPTS

Donna | @stimey60 | Oct 13 3:37pm

Oh wow
Do you take it by pill form?

mamajite | @mamajite | Oct 13 6:48pm

In reply to @stimey60 "Oh wow Do you take it by pill form?" + (show)

@stimey60 the ginseng? it comes in capsules. 👍

Donna | @stimey60 | Oct 14 7:36am

How many do you take a day?

mamajite | @mamajite | Oct 14 7:39pm

In reply to @stimey60 "How many do you take a day?" + (show)

@stimey60 I take 1 capsule/500mg/day, in the morning. My cancer center recommended starting at 1K and working up to 2K, but it was too much for me. 500mg is enough to get an energy boost without any side effects.

Donna | @stimey60 | Oct 15 7:20am

Well im going to Mayo today for my 3 month checkup
Im going to ask about this.
Acouple of things worry me
1st im on immunotherapy now and
2nd im a diabetic and on insulin.
We shall see.
Thanks so much for the info.

mamajite | @mamajite | Oct 15 4:22pm

In reply to @stimey60 "Well im going to Mayo today for my 3 month checkup Im going to ask about..." + (show)

@stimey60 how did it go?

Donna | @stimey60 | Oct 16 6:57am

Well did anyone know that mayo is doing a trial on ginseng? If you want to know more go to their website they are looking for patients.
But I did not qualify because of my diabetes.
So I was told it did not effect my immunotherapy but I should get approval from my endocrinologist, which is what Im doing now.
I sure hope he says ok
Thanks again

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