As a caregiver, I can use some perspective on fatigue. I know fatigue is one of the biggest challenges a cancer patient faces.
My mom, age 78, dx 01/04/08 with GBM IV, right frontal lobe. Complete resection. She had the standard 6-week radiation treatment and came through that well in the short term.
She was weaned from Decadron before her radiation program began. About 2-3 weeks after she completed the radiation program, she developed balance problems and an severe headaches. An MRI revealed swelling and possible necrosis in the area where the tumor had been. She went back on Decadron and quickly showed improvement. Balance returned and headaches disappeared.
She has once again been completely weaned from Decadron, but shortly after her second Temodar cycle, she developed pulmonary embolisms that landed her in the hospital for a week. She is now more or less out of the woods with the blood clots, but two weeks later, is still extremely fatigued. The week in the hospital also caused her to become much weaker and now her energy is low and she now walks with a walker or cane.
Her last MRI (06/20/08) showed no sign of tumor re-growth, which is great. But she wants to sleep all the time and has very little interest in doing things such as working on the computer, something she enjoyed doing after her surgery. She's due to start another Temodar cycle this weekend, but we're wondering if she can stand it.
I suspect the steroid -- or lack of -- is playing a role in this. I also know my mom's age does not work in her favor. Any other thoughts? Thanks!
Jim C