Can fatigue and shortness of breath from cancer treatment improve?

I hope I'm understanding your question appropriately. I had adjuvant chemotherapy+radiation for approximately 26 weeks. During this period I did experience moderate fatigue. Now that I am undergoing 8 cycles (over 16 weeks) of chemotherapy infusion, the fatigue is definitely Extreme! The infusion period lasts about 3 days. All side effects, for me have become somewhat more intense with each cycle. That is to say, the effects are stronger and where they would initially diminish considerably or even stop completely within a few days after the infusion period, the extreme fatigue as well as other side effects can remain significant for a week or more. I wish I could say it gets easier, but this has not been my experience. I have an excellent oncologist as well as an Integrative Medicine Nurse Practitioner. As a team we all do are best to manage.

My Dr it's like she isn't even there . See her once or twice a year. Gina my nurse is more caring. I love Gina

I’m very similar to anonymous…just completed my 6 th session of infusion chemo. By my 4 th session noticed my side effects more acute. I’ve had moderate fatigue-up/down-maybe 3-4 times where I felt like I needed rest…been lucky so far. Some shortness of breath…not acute, I do try to maintain exercise and movement to combat some minor fatigue. I’m told these symptoms are not permanent…still too early for me to validate.

I am on my second go round with this! I was hurting on my left side really bad a week before I went for the pet scan and sure enough irs a smaller mass this time. The size of an orange vs a soft ball! This thing is not only attached to my intestines but.my spleen as well! I am currently between the first and second infusions. I go in and the run like 3 things thru my port ( about 5 hours) then I take a bag with the 5FU formula in it home for 2 days then I take it back when it's empty and I start over in 2 weeks. Now they changed the formula from the first round that I had. I have a ? That maybe someone can answer. So I know ladies understand this. When you have your hair pulled up too tight and your hair hurts? Well I have had mine up in a ball on my head for 9 years and it never bothered me. I have had it down for 3 days bc the follicles hurt and have constantly. I tried yesterday to put it up and 30 min. Later I couldn't stand it and it still hurts! Is this my hair follicles dieing and I'm about to lose my hair? It didn't fall out the first round! If anyone could tell me this I would be so grateful? Lol I can almost sit on my hair and I have enough for at least 2 people!! That is no joke!

I am on my last round of chemo and my hair is falling out - I'm not bald it's thinning . I use a clip and loosely put my hair up at night off my neck . They sell silk caps to wear at bed time - maybe check those out . Good luck and best in your journey . I'm thankful for my care team and trust their choices . The neuropathy is what worries me during my recovery and loss of energy and muscle mass . I hope the nerve damage goes away . Everyone has different issues I guess . Super thankful for my doc my pharmacist and my nurse navigator . They are like family to me and I know it's just their job . They check in make sure to listen and offer great suggestions . I hope you have the same !

I just take ivermectin- I order it through the mail & it keeps the cancer at bay with no side effects. Gi to the internet. My doctor doesn’t recommend it. I don’t care. It’s working for me . Investigate it for yourself.

These side effects from treatment can be really challenging to manage, and it's completely understandable to seek ways to feel more comfortable during this time. Many people in the colorectal cancer community have shared similar experiences with fatigue and breathing difficulties during treatment, and connecting with others who understand can provide valuable support and insights about what has helped them cope.