Effects of chemotherapy

My husband had surgery for a Grade 2 Glioma brain tumour followed by radiotherapy and then chemo. He had 4 out of 6 sessions of PCV which he stopped as it was making him feel very ill, weak and he was losing mobility. It is now 10 weeks since he finished taking the pills and he still feels totally exhausted all the time, struggles to walk, not eating much and often feels as if he has a bad hangover. I know it can take a while to get over but we just need some light at the end of the tunnel. He is waiting for an MRI so we don’t know how the treatment has worked yet. Some days are better than others and I can take him for a ride out which he enjoys but why does it feel like sometimes he is going backwards and not a gradual improvement?

Parents
  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I can understand your concern regarding your husband's current situation.

    Unfortunately, it can take quite some time, often months, to recover from the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Fatigue can persist, and regular rests help, as does doing some passive daily gentle exercises to prevent joint stiffness. Some days are better than others. Maybe speak with his hospital clinical specialist nurse (CNS) if he has one. His GP or hospital team might be able to organise some physiotherapy advice, to help with his daily mobility.

    It can be difficult to motivate someone to eat, sometimes doctors can prescribe a very low daily dose of steroids to stimulate appetite. It is worth trying a small amount of alcohol, such as a stout, small measure of sherry/spirits, as this can increase appetite. Obviously check this is ok first with his GP. 

    The UK charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, have a resource called the 'Building Up Diet', which has handy tips to help someone with a poor appetite.

    https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/building-up-diet

    https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/building-up-diet/meal-ideas-shopping-list

    Also, the UK charity, Brain Tumour Support, provide support and an online forum, which can be helpful for people caring for someone with a brain tumour,

    https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/

    I hope that this reply has been helpful,

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Yours sincerely,

    Vanda

Reply
  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I can understand your concern regarding your husband's current situation.

    Unfortunately, it can take quite some time, often months, to recover from the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Fatigue can persist, and regular rests help, as does doing some passive daily gentle exercises to prevent joint stiffness. Some days are better than others. Maybe speak with his hospital clinical specialist nurse (CNS) if he has one. His GP or hospital team might be able to organise some physiotherapy advice, to help with his daily mobility.

    It can be difficult to motivate someone to eat, sometimes doctors can prescribe a very low daily dose of steroids to stimulate appetite. It is worth trying a small amount of alcohol, such as a stout, small measure of sherry/spirits, as this can increase appetite. Obviously check this is ok first with his GP. 

    The UK charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, have a resource called the 'Building Up Diet', which has handy tips to help someone with a poor appetite.

    https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/building-up-diet

    https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/building-up-diet/meal-ideas-shopping-list

    Also, the UK charity, Brain Tumour Support, provide support and an online forum, which can be helpful for people caring for someone with a brain tumour,

    https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/

    I hope that this reply has been helpful,

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Yours sincerely,

    Vanda

Children