Pancreatic cancer and side effects of chemo- irritability

I searched and joined this site today becase my husband just finished week 3 of his chemo and is very tired.  he has done remarkably well after his whipple and prognosis looks good for him as they suspect they got it all.  My biggest concern is his irritability.  Has anyone else experieinced this?  He is a wonderul person but quite proud and will likely never admit to it- lol.  But it is wearing for me.  He seems determined to work hard despite his fatigue and then he gets very irritable snapping at me. As we speak he is on the roof hanging Christmas lights.  Likely just needing to vent.  I tend to walk away after a bit and then with some time act like noting happended. 

I had a related cancer (with whipple and chemo and radiation) and know many pancreatic cancer survivors too--in support group that covers both.  Ask doc if any reason to not give B vitamins, may be calming, make sure enough calcium and magnesium for nerves.  Nutritionally we are compromised more after whipple too.  I also like to take enteric coated fish and flax oil daily which seem to help mood.  Being tired can make one irritable, men are so proud at what they can do so this must be difficult in his view.  It took a while to get energy largely back so patience is needed and whipple, chemo, and radiation all lead to temporary fatigue.  If he has diarrhea, he may need enzymes,... If there is support group in area see if he will join it.  Sometimes patients with pancreatic deal with depression from even the cancer, and maybe each chemo has different emotional possible effects too.  good luck.

smitten1

I had a whipple and chemo and my wife said I was irritable for a while I found it took a while to get used to my new circumstances so don't be to hurt, it will hopefully get better for you both in the future

bushy

Thank you.  This is helpful.  He would not admit to the depression likely but I see it.  I am not reacting to his irritability.  I think a support group would be great and I will ask about the Vitamin B and fish oil.  He is eating well and reportedly no diarrhea.  He handled the whipple very well and with a very positive outlook.  I have noted a shift since the chemo however, and this past week he has been very tired and very grupy as I said.  I can be patient, especially when his grumpiness is at me- a bit harder when it's at the kids. This is his week off the chemo, so i am hoping the week off will give his body the break it needs.

Thanks Bushy.  You are right -the first few days I was personalizing it, and it does hurt.  I am not personalizing anymore and this has helped with being patient. I do feel a bit like walking on eggshells though, as I don't want to cause him any stress.

Hi Smitten1,

I had the whipple on 9/1/2011 for stage II. I sailed thru the surgery, & had little pain when I got home. Then 10/3/2011 I started chemo, I don't know about anyone else but the chemo made the area of the whipple surgery painful. Plus the nausea, & fatigue was really hard. I didn't want my family to know how I felt. I wanted for them to treat me the same as before. So, I kept trying to do busy things when I could. You know put on a brave face! LOL! Well, long about the 9th treatment I broke down in the doctors office. Sobbing that I couldn't do it anymore. God Bless, my oncologist, he changed my meds. It took two different times but, we found some meds that helped me thru the last 9 treatments!

Your hubby is trying to put on a strong front, ask him to be honest with you. How does he feel? Then talk to the oncologist, they can help!! God Bless!! Candy 

Wow. Okay Candy- Thanks.  This sounds like something he would do.  I am so glad you got what you needed to get through.  He does not seem to be in pain but definitely exhausted and stubbornly not admitting it or slowing down.  This helps a great deal.

 

My husband has had chemo, radiation, Whipple , more chemo and now he is going through a triple cocktail of chemo. He gets steroids IV with his chemo and I think this is what makes his irritability worse. I too am thinking of a support group. Ian glad I found this site. Keep in mind he is not irritated with you but the whole situation. I just blame it on the drugs

Hi Midge, Thank you.  I try to not personalize it but that is my challenge. 

 

Smitten

Don't take it personally as I have learned to accept  that I am sick and need help from family and friends, I am really grateful for the ongoing support, and I now am not afraid of what lies in the future, so be aware he realy loves you and what you are doing for him is appreciated, its just frustrating being unwell and having to accept  changes in life

bushy