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#173750 11-10-2013 06:36 PM
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Hi All,
Kevin wanted me to ask if many people had problems with stamina a couple years out. He is finding he gets tired pretty fast, though is still working 12 hour days 21 days in a row in the Artic of Alaska. I will say that when he is home he tends to take at least a 2 hour nap every afternoon. Maybe time for blood work? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Kathy


Kathy wife/caregiver to:
Kevin age:53
Dx 7/15/11
HPV16+ SCC Stage IV BOT/R
Non smoker, casual drinker
7/27/11 Cistplatin, taxotere,5FU 2/3week sessions, followed by IMRT 125cgy x 60 (2x daily) w/Erbitux weekly. Last rad 10/26/11. Last Erbitux 10/27/11
PEG placed 9/1/11 Removed 11/8/11
Clear PET 10/12 and 10/13 and ct in 6/14
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I'm lucky I can walk one block with a cane after 4 years, and that's pushing it sometimes, but its 100% better than I was. Mine is from chemo in 2009, which did a number on my health, weight, kidneys, anemia, neuropathy, muscles, and muscle paralysis to name a few, and have no time to be diagnosed with other conditions, treat ailments I know I suffer, and should see about, but I'm just surviving day to day really, and already see 7 specialists as it is. Yes, treating what you can may help, and blood work is one way to start. The worst for me is basically going in healthy, fit, and just about overnight, literally, was disabled. One thing, is my anger, and will to fight is still there, and I have stamina for that, and will never be happy or give in, to have cancer for any reason.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs






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Kathy, unfortunately yes the fatigue can hang around for a very long time after treatments. I find that I get tired very easily and frequently will take a couple cat naps a day when Im home. I dont know how Kevin is able to do the 12 hour days, especially in the cold. Let him know I think he must be Superman to be able to handle his job. smile


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile
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Kathy,

Really? You must be kidding? To be able to pull 21 days of 12 hours take incredible stamina. If he is able to get through that, he is in the top 1% of fit survivors I'd say.

Catching up napping back home seems really normal to me and well deserved.


Don
Male, 1955
Great health except C
Dec '12
DX: BOT SCC T2N2bMx, Stage 4a, HPV+, multiple nodes
1 tooth out
Jan '13
2nd tooth out
Tumor Board -induction TPF (3 cycles), seq CRT
4-6/2013
CRT 70gr 2x35, weekly carbo150
ended 5/29,6/4
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Posts: 8,311
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OK, working in Artic Alaska...really!!! I hate cold weather. That alone would drive me mentally bonkers!

As you know I am a firm believer in exercise so perhaps starting a regular exercise program when he's not in the artic may help?


David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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Thanks for you responses. I agree 100% Don. I feel like he does better when he goes back because he rests somewhat when he is home. Although our house is absolute mayhem with our 3 younger kids, our 29 year old daughter and her 10 year old daughter and my 88 year old Mom. I think the 12 hour days are easier sometimes. I think the naps are his escape plan!! LOL.
He just wanted some reassurance that others were fatigued too.
Kathy


Kathy wife/caregiver to:
Kevin age:53
Dx 7/15/11
HPV16+ SCC Stage IV BOT/R
Non smoker, casual drinker
7/27/11 Cistplatin, taxotere,5FU 2/3week sessions, followed by IMRT 125cgy x 60 (2x daily) w/Erbitux weekly. Last rad 10/26/11. Last Erbitux 10/27/11
PEG placed 9/1/11 Removed 11/8/11
Clear PET 10/12 and 10/13 and ct in 6/14
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 945
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Hi, Kathy
My husband's stamina is not what it was once, but I am not sure how much is from the cancer treatment and how much is simple age. You might want to get his TSH / thyroid levels checked.

My husband is further out from treatment than yours, and was just able to add back in one of his volunteer evenings, so don't give up hope for continued improvement.

Best wishes to you both,
Maria


CG to husband - SCC Tonsil T1N2M0 HPV+ Never Smoker
First symptoms 7/2010, DX 12/2010
TX 40 IRMT (1.8 gy) + 10 Cetuximab
PET Scans 6/2011 + 3/2012 clear, 5 year physical exam clear; chest CT's clear of cancer. On thyroid pills. Life is good.
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Posts: 54
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I struggled and still struggle with my stamina. I have a 4 yr old and work full time but I can't exercise much or Do a lot of extras. My goal one day is to do a half marathon - even if I just walk it.

I really doubt I will ever be where I used to be at before cancer.

Paul - bravo to you. I am amazed at your determination.


Age 44. Diagnosed at 34 (2006) with T1N0 SCC tongue on right side. Neck dissed & 6 weeks Radiation. 30% tongue removed. Never smoked;
2nd recurrence 1/2013 on left side. Surgery to remove 2/2013 forearm flap/neck dissec T1N0; brachytherapy 4/2013;
3rd recurrence 11/2015 mandibulectomy for jaw bone cancer Stage IV/no lymph node involvement
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Thanks Lola.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs






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Posts: 5,264
Likes: 5
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I'm wondering if he's low in iron... ?


Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan

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