depression?
 

Hello,

I am a new member in need of some insight. I am the primary caregiver for my mother, who at 50 years old was diagnosed with her 2+ breast ca with mets to the liver and bone. After a grueling 7 months of taxol (with herception and pertuzumab) the doctors have decided to give her "a break" from the taxol due to the many side effects she was experiencing. It has been about a month since her last taxol treatment, yet she still seems very fatigued. I know the doctors say the most recent ct scans showed improvement. However, I am concerned. Could her fatigue/weakness be due to the taxol still?

Re: depression?
 

Hi BusyBee - Welcome -and I am so sad to hear that your mom has been tired through her treatment time and even now, a month later. It must be hard on you as well. I have never been on taxol (although other members have and I am sure a few will chime in) - but I was fatigued for a few months after I finished with my Navelbine. Slowly I got out…walked…walked my dog….took the kids to their various events….and slowly strength came back. I also think there is a psychological hit that is certainly fatiguing; and may even lead to an understandable depression. Has she told her oncologist how she is feeling? Please hang in there and keep us posted.
Love
Kim (from CT)

Re: depression?
 

Dear busy bee,
I was on taxol and even once I stopped it I still found myself tired and I imagine with out admitting it probably a little depression in there . Maybe encourage a small walk outside just don't push to hard about it.

Best wishes

Re: depression?
 

Sometimes it can take a couple of months to recover from the chemo fatigue. Regular activity helps.
Good luck to you both

Re: depression?
 

Thank you all for your advice. Its really nice to be able to talk to someone about this. I spoke to my mother and she did hint that she misses work and doing some of things she used to do (without feeling so sick). So I think it is a combination of the two, but we have been getting out of the house more, and hopefully her strength will come back in a few months and she will be able to go back to work ( : Thanks again!!!

Re: depression?
 

I assume she is still on herceptin and perjeta? While these are much easier than chemo, the severity of side effects can vary a lot from person to person. I was on perjeta and herceptin and ended up dropping the perjeta because of the side effects I was having, including fatigue, diarhea, etc.

Re: depression?
 

Yes, she is. Thank you again for all your replies and help. She complains a lot about fatigue, and loss of appetite/taste. But it's no where as bad as when she was on Taxol. I know she really misses going to work, but hopefully she'll be back soon.

Thanks~ Bee

Re: depression?
 

Hi, it took me months to recover from Taxol and a/c, some Dr's say it takes the same time as the treatment took so think this is very normal, we ask a lot of our bodies and they need to recover fully, tell your Mom to rest when she needs to and listen to what her body is telling her.

Re: depression?
 

Hi,

Stories shared in the following thread http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...+stage+sisters

might cheer her up. A lot of the stage IV sisters have gone through similar treatment and long fight to get to NED (No Evidence of Diease).

Exercise helps the brain to release endorphin, aks Happy Hormone, which also boost our immune system. So try get her to do regular exercise such as a daily 30-minute walk (start slow ...)

In the meanwhile, be sure to take good care of yourself so you can take good care of her. Sending you both good vibes.

Re: depression?
 

Others have much more experience (unfortunately) than I do since I'm just starting out with chemo (4th treatment today). I have found that I actually, for the first time really, crave my daily walk or exercise at the gym. I also do need a nap here or there, but so far not anything too bad. I feel fortunate that, so far, I am physically and mentally able to do it. Not sure if it's because I started doing it and got a boost, or if the SE's are just not fully hitting me yet. That said, I find the exercise to be so beneficial in so many ways - especially mentally. Your mom is lucky to have you watching over her. I hope that things improve for her soon.

Re: depression?
 

Thank you ladies for all your help. I've been trying to get my mom out more, and it does seem to help. Once again thank you for all your support