Husband has glioblastoma and has been struggling with fatigue since starting treatment. Do you have any tips on how to deal with this?

My husband has glioblastoma. He had a craniotomy last October followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In January he had 3 cycles of temozolomide but the MRI scan in March showed disease progression. He began PCV chemotherapy in April but after the first cycle had low platelets and then low white blood cells so the second cycle was postponed for 2 weeks and then given at a reduced dose.

He takes Keppra but remains seizure free and 2mg dextamethasone for speech problems.

My question is about the significant fatigue with the treatment. Have you any suggestions about how long this will last or any tips in dealing with it? In recent weeks, my husband’s language skills have deteriorated and he can often have difficulty in recalling place names etc. Can this improve? I didn’t know whether it was due to the tumour or the treatment and whether I should ask about Speech Therapy.

He has been put forward for a trial Citadel - 123 in London so we are waiting to hear about that.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

  • Hello BetsyBumpty and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your husband's fatigue.

    The majority of people diagnosed with a brain tumour complain of fatigue which can be due to the brain tumour itself, the treatment or the stress. The Brain Tumour charity have tips on coping with fatigue which you might find helpful to look at.

    I can't say how long this fatigue will last but hopefully if his blood count improves with the reduced dose of chemotherapy this may have an effect on how he is feeling.

    Trying to take short walks can be helpful and eating small frequent meals may have an effect on how he is feeling. We have a page on high calorie drinks which you might find helpful and will give your husband a bit more energy.

    Trying to make sure that your husband has good quality sleep can also help minimise fatigue.

    You may find it helpful to chat to other's who have been effected by brain tumours. The Brain Tumour Charity has information on speech and language difficulties and they also have details of online and in person support groups. it can sometimes help to find out how others are managing fatigue.

    I hope some of these links maybe helpful. Do give the nurses a ring on the helpline if you would like to talk things through.

    The number to ring is freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine