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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Hi Donna,
That's too bad that you are tired all the time. What can help tiredness is iron. Either eat foods with high iron content such as a good quality red meat or take iron tablets or do both. I'm 79 and eat lots of red meat and also take iron tablets. I'm very healthy and feel great! My doctor said he didn't need to see me for a year!
I wish you the best!
PML

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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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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.

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@stimey60 how did it go?

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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.

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Profile picture for Donna @stimey60

How many do you take a day?

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@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.

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Profile picture for Donna @stimey60

Oh wow
Do you take it by pill form?

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@stimey60 the ginseng? it comes in capsules. 👍

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Oh wow
Do you take it by pill form?

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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

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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!

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