rich was diagnosed with mltiple meyloma stage 3 in nov. 04. henearly died in feb 05 from pneumonia and mrsa {hosp inquired infection} .. he has finished cheom and radiation and is on thylidomide 200 at bedtime.. the cancer and meds make him tired all the time. he wants to be in bed 21- 22 hrs a day, and is only up then if i insist. we walk with walker or walk in place once a day, again only if I push..HELP this old nurse know what to do. I feel like the bad guy, bur th dr has tole him to grt out of his hole.
Dear Cajun Mama, This is Barbara in New Zealand. Liked your straight forward message. My husband has had MM for almost 9 years, things are tough for him now, getting velcade chemo - last thing left for him to try - lots of side effects. You probably know that Thalidomide is a sleeping medication, and that 50mg is the usual dose, so your husband is taking the equivalent of 4 sleeping pills every night! No wonder he wants to stay in bed. Caffine might help, strong coffee or caffine pills if he can tolerate them (also chicory) Also really good B vits esp. lots of B12 even injections if he can get them from your GP. B6 is good if he has neuropathy, tingling or pain in feet and hands also there's a device called a MedicalRebuilder made by a doctor for treating this, its available on the internet about $400 US my husband thinks its helping him. Thalidomide will also make you very dizzy and prone to falling, talk with Dr. about cutting back dose if possible. Lots of fresh air and some exercise, even if limited will help. Anything that will increase his circulation. He made need iorn supplements if his red blood cells are low this will give him more enery and oxygen. Vit E may help this too. With MM and Thaliomide you will live longer and with better quality if you get down about 8 glasses of liquid a day, its really important. If you know of and can afford to talk to a naturopath they may have other suggestions that can help. I hope things improve for you both and don't give up, we're not, mental attitude is the best healer and giver of hope. The very best to you. Barbara
Hi Jeanette,
My mom,62,was diagnosed with MM in March of this year. As we speak,she is going for her first injection of Velcade. I know that she is extremely tired all the time too. We have heard so much about the benefits of excercise for MM,(& all cancers).They did a study on people who excersised while receiving treatment,& those who didn't. They found the difference incredible.The people who excersised,began to feel less tired & needed fewer visits/treatments with the doctor.I sometimes need to push my mom for a walk,even if it is only for 20 mins. I will pray for all of you.
Sincerly,Kera H (Winnipeg,Manitoba)