On 4/28/2007
Kittyboots49 wrote:
my mother has non small cell lung cancer. she had it in a few differant spots in her lungs. most of it is gone but one spot which has really decreased in size. she had all her chemo and the drs. had put her on tarceva for 120 days. now she is off the tarceva but she is really fatigued all the time. i do believe she is going through some depression, i live right next door to my mother so im here for her if and when she needs me and well as my nephew and my own two daughters. which is a big help as anyone knows. are there any withdrawl symtoms from stopping the tarceva. she use to be able to go on and on, and i think this is what is really depressing to her. i try to keep her busy as long as she is willing and when she gets tired she lays down for a bit. will she ever come out of this depression to a certain extent? any answers will greatly be appreciated. feel free to email me, anyone if you like!!!!!
personal info
Hi Kittyboots,
I sure hope someone else has responded before now to your inquiry. I've had chemo for breast cancer so not the same as your Mom but I would venture to say that most chemos cause fatigue. It takes a while for the body to recover from these powerful drugs. I was told that it will take as long to recover as therapy took. Try to help your Mom by cooking highly nutritious meals for her. Fatigue may cause her to not want to eat a lot so suggest several small meals a day. It is wonderful that you and your daughters live next door. I'm sure having family around is very comforting.
Depression is common. Her oncologist or the nurse can recommend a therapist or perhaps a support group. You might also find out about support groups through the hospital's social worker or the American Cancer Society if you're in the US. Your Mom needs to be able to talk to others who have gone through this and she may feel she shouldn't burden you with her feelings. Help her understand that she does not have to deal with all these feelings on her own---it really helps to talk to a therapist who specializes in cancer patients or just going to a support group can help.
Blessings to you all.