My husband was diagnosed in May 2015. He did induction with Revlimid, Velcade, and dexamethasone (RVD) and then had an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in October. He is currently not on maintenance or any chemo. He does get Zometa once per month. He also takes a small dosage of morphine for back pain and acyclovir.
He experiences fatigue where he wants to sleep for 2 - 3 days straight. This happens about once every 3 - 4 weeks. His legs will ache, too, but attribute that to the remnants of Velcade treatment.
Any thoughts? Is this normal? Thank you.
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Re: Fatigue while not on treatment
The fatigue that follows a stem cell transplant can last a long time and 4 months is not that long a period of time after a transplant for all effects to resolve. However, I hope he is being followed closely by his medical team. Is he anemic? How are his blood counts in general?
In addition, it is important to try to get some exercise. That is a known energy booster. It is difficult to be motivated when fatigue is an issue, but once he is cleared by his doctor, daily walks, some stretching, or even physical therapy can help energy levels.
I still have the occasional day where I an inexplicably tired, but I am on maintenance, and frequently don't sleep well. I had my stem cell transplant in October 2014.
Bottom line; it could be perfectly normal in terms of recovery, but I would definitely discuss this with your doctor. I know a couple of male posters have had low testosterone issues. Perhaps that is the culprit. Good luck, and let us know the results.
In addition, it is important to try to get some exercise. That is a known energy booster. It is difficult to be motivated when fatigue is an issue, but once he is cleared by his doctor, daily walks, some stretching, or even physical therapy can help energy levels.
I still have the occasional day where I an inexplicably tired, but I am on maintenance, and frequently don't sleep well. I had my stem cell transplant in October 2014.
Bottom line; it could be perfectly normal in terms of recovery, but I would definitely discuss this with your doctor. I know a couple of male posters have had low testosterone issues. Perhaps that is the culprit. Good luck, and let us know the results.
Re: Fatigue while not on treatment
Thank you, Ellen. Doc didn't seem to think he was anemic. We see local hematologist / oncologist monthly and his myeloma specialist (have to drive 2 hours) every 3 months.
Re: Fatigue while not on treatment
I had quite a bit of fatigue for months following my transplant in January 2010. I, too, had no maintenance therapy, but I did go back to work full time as a PT 10 weeks after my transplant. I would work a full day and then come home and collapse into bed. This lasted until some time in August of 2010. Weekends I got little done because I was so tired. It wasn't until almost Thanksgiving of 2010 that I began to be able to work a full day and not be wiped out by the weekend. My social life was really limited during that first year post transplant.
Give your husband time. Recovery from a transplant can be long. He would benefit from being active, but shouldn't overdo it on days that he feels good. A PT who does cancer rehab would be able to help him with his endurance by adding in activities as he is able to handle them and would teach him energy conservation techniques/methods.
All the best to your husband and you,
Nancy in Phila
Give your husband time. Recovery from a transplant can be long. He would benefit from being active, but shouldn't overdo it on days that he feels good. A PT who does cancer rehab would be able to help him with his endurance by adding in activities as he is able to handle them and would teach him energy conservation techniques/methods.
All the best to your husband and you,
Nancy in Phila
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NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
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