Tired

Hi, Lisa!

Well, I have to admit that some days I am so tired, I don't even get out of my PJ's! I just make sure the ones I have on are fit for company in case someone comes to the door. It just comes and goes in cycles. Sometimes I feel like a million bucks and it is very easy to believe that there is not a thing wrong with me. I just plan accordingly each day. I am very fortunate that I do not have to work (I don't think I could anyway) due to the generosity of my sister who provides shelter and utilities. My treatments are provided by the VA, which is such a blessing. And my teenage daughter has grown up feeling grateful for the smallest things.

I don't think this roller coaster ride is easy to deal with physically or emotionally, both of which can cause fatigue. I used to fight it and now I am in more of an acceptance mode. Last night I went to a concert nad had a blast. Today I rest!

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend, Lisa!

Cristy, Stage IV

Hi, Lisa!

Well, I have to admit that some days I am so tired, I don't even get out of my PJ's! I just make sure the ones I have on are fit for company in case someone comes to the door. It just comes and goes in cycles. Sometimes I feel like a million bucks and it is very easy to believe that there is not a thing wrong with me. I just plan accordingly each day. I am very fortunate that I do not have to work (I don't think I could anyway) due to the generosity of my sister who provides shelter and utilities. My treatments are provided by the VA, which is such a blessing. And my teenage daughter has grown up feeling grateful for the smallest things.

I don't think this roller coaster ride is easy to deal with physically or emotionally, both of which can cause fatigue. I used to fight it and now I am in more of an acceptance mode. Last night I went to a concert nad had a blast. Today I rest!

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend, Lisa!

Cristy, Stage IV

Hi, Lisa!

Well, I have to admit that some days I am so tired, I don't even get out of my PJ's! I just make sure the ones I have on are fit for company in case someone comes to the door. It just comes and goes in cycles. Sometimes I feel like a million bucks and it is very easy to believe that there is not a thing wrong with me. I just plan accordingly each day. I am very fortunate that I do not have to work (I don't think I could anyway) due to the generosity of my sister who provides shelter and utilities. My treatments are provided by the VA, which is such a blessing. And my teenage daughter has grown up feeling grateful for the smallest things.

I don't think this roller coaster ride is easy to deal with physically or emotionally, both of which can cause fatigue. I used to fight it and now I am in more of an acceptance mode. Last night I went to a concert nad had a blast. Today I rest!

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend, Lisa!

Cristy, Stage IV

Lisa,

It took me awhile to digest is that I'm both a melanoma patient, but subsequently also a brain tumor patient. Which you're seeing as you shuttle between the oncology and neurosurgery departments. It means two different sources of possible symptoms, including fatigue. National Brain Tumor Society has some info on fatigue from the neurological side. After having had several neurosurgical interventions, I've needed to really take it easy and not let myself get pushed into doing more than I should. I also had IPI so it's hard to separate what the effects might be from the two, but in my case I think that's from the multiple interventions. But it's something to keep in mind anyway as another reason to try to take it easy.

I don't know if youve seen this abstract about IPI benefits for brain tuomr patients: Outcomes of Melanoma Brain Metastasis Management with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery +/- Ipilimumab. In that context your response to IPI so far is something to "put in the bank".

– Kyle

Lisa,

It took me awhile to digest is that I'm both a melanoma patient, but subsequently also a brain tumor patient. Which you're seeing as you shuttle between the oncology and neurosurgery departments. It means two different sources of possible symptoms, including fatigue. National Brain Tumor Society has some info on fatigue from the neurological side. After having had several neurosurgical interventions, I've needed to really take it easy and not let myself get pushed into doing more than I should. I also had IPI so it's hard to separate what the effects might be from the two, but in my case I think that's from the multiple interventions. But it's something to keep in mind anyway as another reason to try to take it easy.

I don't know if youve seen this abstract about IPI benefits for brain tuomr patients: Outcomes of Melanoma Brain Metastasis Management with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery +/- Ipilimumab. In that context your response to IPI so far is something to "put in the bank".

– Kyle

Lisa,

It took me awhile to digest is that I'm both a melanoma patient, but subsequently also a brain tumor patient. Which you're seeing as you shuttle between the oncology and neurosurgery departments. It means two different sources of possible symptoms, including fatigue. National Brain Tumor Society has some info on fatigue from the neurological side. After having had several neurosurgical interventions, I've needed to really take it easy and not let myself get pushed into doing more than I should. I also had IPI so it's hard to separate what the effects might be from the two, but in my case I think that's from the multiple interventions. But it's something to keep in mind anyway as another reason to try to take it easy.

I don't know if youve seen this abstract about IPI benefits for brain tuomr patients: Outcomes of Melanoma Brain Metastasis Management with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery +/- Ipilimumab. In that context your response to IPI so far is something to "put in the bank".

– Kyle

Lisa, tiredness or fatigue can have a number of causes that may be physical, emotional
or medical in nature.

As you have had an emotional week, it is certainly possible that at least some of your
tiredness could be caused by stress. From:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Fatigue_explained
"Anxiety and stress – a person who is chronically anxious or stressed keeps their body
in overdrive. The constant flooding of adrenaline exhausts the body, and fatigue sets
in."

I suppose that I have a special interest in this general area because of my own
experience with post-viral fatigue syndrome.

Wishing you all the best for Tuesday.

Frank from Australia

Lisa, tiredness or fatigue can have a number of causes that may be physical, emotional
or medical in nature.

As you have had an emotional week, it is certainly possible that at least some of your
tiredness could be caused by stress. From:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Fatigue_explained
"Anxiety and stress – a person who is chronically anxious or stressed keeps their body
in overdrive. The constant flooding of adrenaline exhausts the body, and fatigue sets
in."

I suppose that I have a special interest in this general area because of my own
experience with post-viral fatigue syndrome.

Wishing you all the best for Tuesday.

Frank from Australia

Lisa, tiredness or fatigue can have a number of causes that may be physical, emotional
or medical in nature.

As you have had an emotional week, it is certainly possible that at least some of your
tiredness could be caused by stress. From:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Fatigue_explained
"Anxiety and stress – a person who is chronically anxious or stressed keeps their body
in overdrive. The constant flooding of adrenaline exhausts the body, and fatigue sets
in."

I suppose that I have a special interest in this general area because of my own
experience with post-viral fatigue syndrome.

Wishing you all the best for Tuesday.

Frank from Australia

Lisa,

I would be surprised if you weren't tired.  You've had a very emotional week or so dealing with scan results, research, treatment decisions. appointments not to mention keeping up with a 2 year old.  It very well could be the beginning of a cold (yuk) but I think stress would have to play a part in this.  It wouldn't be normal not to be stressed right now.  One day at a time and stay positive.  Form your posts,  you sound like a very positive person which will really help you with the challenge ahead.

Stay Strong

King

Stage IV 7/05 Liver mets

Lisa,

I would be surprised if you weren't tired.  You've had a very emotional week or so dealing with scan results, research, treatment decisions. appointments not to mention keeping up with a 2 year old.  It very well could be the beginning of a cold (yuk) but I think stress would have to play a part in this.  It wouldn't be normal not to be stressed right now.  One day at a time and stay positive.  Form your posts,  you sound like a very positive person which will really help you with the challenge ahead.

Stay Strong

King

Stage IV 7/05 Liver mets

Lisa,

I would be surprised if you weren't tired.  You've had a very emotional week or so dealing with scan results, research, treatment decisions. appointments not to mention keeping up with a 2 year old.  It very well could be the beginning of a cold (yuk) but I think stress would have to play a part in this.  It wouldn't be normal not to be stressed right now.  One day at a time and stay positive.  Form your posts,  you sound like a very positive person which will really help you with the challenge ahead.

Stay Strong

King

Stage IV 7/05 Liver mets

Had a CBC recently? (Complete blood count)

What are your red and white blood cell count?

A complete blood count measures the amounts of three different types of cells in your blood:

• Red blood cells make up the largest component of the blood, and transport oxygen from the lungs throughout the rest of the body. They help provide energy and keep organs and tissues healthy. Hemoglobin is the protein contained in red blood cells that makes blood red. Hematocrit is the percentage of red cells in the bloodstream. If your hemoglobin or hematocrit level is too low, it is possible that you have anemia, which may cause you to feel tired or weak. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, increased heart rate, difficulty staying warm, pale skin and dizziness or lightheadedness.
• White blood cells provide protection for the body against invasion from bacteria and viruses, and therefore, play a key role in the body’s immune system. Neutrophils, are a specific type of white blood cell. If your absolute neutrophil count (ANC) falls below normal range, you may have neutropenia, or a low white cell count, which can lower the body’s ability to fight infection.
• Platelets help the blood clot. They line the inside of the blood vessels and flow through the vessels as well. If you have low platelet counts, you may be at increased risk for bleeding or bruising.

Had a CBC recently? (Complete blood count)

What are your red and white blood cell count?

A complete blood count measures the amounts of three different types of cells in your blood:

• Red blood cells make up the largest component of the blood, and transport oxygen from the lungs throughout the rest of the body. They help provide energy and keep organs and tissues healthy. Hemoglobin is the protein contained in red blood cells that makes blood red. Hematocrit is the percentage of red cells in the bloodstream. If your hemoglobin or hematocrit level is too low, it is possible that you have anemia, which may cause you to feel tired or weak. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, increased heart rate, difficulty staying warm, pale skin and dizziness or lightheadedness.
• White blood cells provide protection for the body against invasion from bacteria and viruses, and therefore, play a key role in the body’s immune system. Neutrophils, are a specific type of white blood cell. If your absolute neutrophil count (ANC) falls below normal range, you may have neutropenia, or a low white cell count, which can lower the body’s ability to fight infection.
• Platelets help the blood clot. They line the inside of the blood vessels and flow through the vessels as well. If you have low platelet counts, you may be at increased risk for bleeding or bruising.

Had a CBC recently? (Complete blood count)

What are your red and white blood cell count?

A complete blood count measures the amounts of three different types of cells in your blood:

• Red blood cells make up the largest component of the blood, and transport oxygen from the lungs throughout the rest of the body. They help provide energy and keep organs and tissues healthy. Hemoglobin is the protein contained in red blood cells that makes blood red. Hematocrit is the percentage of red cells in the bloodstream. If your hemoglobin or hematocrit level is too low, it is possible that you have anemia, which may cause you to feel tired or weak. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, increased heart rate, difficulty staying warm, pale skin and dizziness or lightheadedness.
• White blood cells provide protection for the body against invasion from bacteria and viruses, and therefore, play a key role in the body’s immune system. Neutrophils, are a specific type of white blood cell. If your absolute neutrophil count (ANC) falls below normal range, you may have neutropenia, or a low white cell count, which can lower the body’s ability to fight infection.
• Platelets help the blood clot. They line the inside of the blood vessels and flow through the vessels as well. If you have low platelet counts, you may be at increased risk for bleeding or bruising.