Muscles not recovering post chemo

[Sue838383]

Inital treatment for stage 3c ovarain cancer was taxol 7 carboplatin. Remission for 7 months. Followed by Gemcitabine & carboplatin, last tx on 4-8-2009. It is now 8 months later and I seem to be losing my muscle strength. O don't have any numbness as in classic neuropathy. I am trying to maintain my stamina, but increasing activity or normal exercise worsens the lympoedema. I feel trapped in a downward spiral that I am unable to fix without making the situation worse. The muscles when fatigued feel burnt out with absolute loss of strength. Every cell when this happens fels as though it has no energy.
Is there a way to strengthen my muscles? Will their function return? I would like to carry on with some part time work, (I have been off for 12 months) while I am able as I am only 45. Exercise physiologists seem to only focus on sport or injury recovery. I feel this situation may be very different to that. I am looking for sensible answers so I can maintain my quality of life. I am sick of "Take it easy, Everybody is individual," etc..

[sheri938]

yes thats what my m.d told me too"give yourself a chance you have had 9 chemos and a  big surg  give your self time to recover" so give yourself a break and a chance to recover you've been through a lot-the desire is a start - when i finally started to have the desire to open my e mail again - i realized i was getting better.

[Carcinista]

It sounds like maybe you're not getting enough iron in your diet - are you anemic? If you're feeling better with some red meat, you could be anemic, which would certainly explain your fatigue. Of course, recovering from chemo would explain it, too. Some good vegetarian options for iron are SPINACH, broccoli, and beans (kidney, black, etc.) Start with a big spinach salad and see how that makes you feel. Or better: saute some spinach with garlic and olive oil in a cast-iron skillet. Top with two fried eggs and enjoy! Mmmm, now I'm hungry.

Start your exercise recovery slowly - it's shocking how long it took me to get back into shape after each chemo! After my second surgery I could barely stagger half a block down the street and back. Now I'm back to a regular and vigorous workout schedule (although my cardiovascular strength is still only about 60%). Walking is a good way to start, or find a gentle yoga class (hatha) to start getting back in touch with your muscles. The yoga is also great for meditation and finding some peace about all this cancer business.

Go easy on yourself as you get started again; be proud that you are even interested in it!

Sarah

[Sue838383]

Thanks  sheri for the reply. I feel more normal now. Yes I was wondering myself if there was a problem with my body accessing energy from stored reserves, as I am not having sugar in tea etc and trying to avoid deserts most of the time. I am also for the most part vegetarian now. My husband says I seemed to be at my most healthy on holiday when I was having the occasional steak and some sweet treats. (played havoc with my gut though)
I sincerely hope for all those women who are in our situation that the condition of our muscles not working properly is a tempory state. I will try the oral B vitamins.

[sheri938]

hi- i had taxol carbo total of 9 treatment with surg in the middle- i was so weak  -i couldn't walk until my bone marrow  begab to recover - itake b12 and vitamins' and still have a lack of energy- it has  been about a year and just started to getenough  energy to venture out- i drink tea with caffine- and sugar - i know i sould avoid the sugar- but i also take wellbutrin an anti depressant and that helps me have the desire to face the world, and try and put my life back together - i still have problems having enough energy to walk  too far  our dog walks are only a block or two-if i do it every day its better- but if it were not for the caffine  - only 2 or 3 cups a day- i don't think i could  go even that far- i asked the heart doctor first and he gave me an ok but ask your m...d.. about it  or b 12 shots.? wish i could be more help take care-