“What can I do to control my persistent tiredness?”
Diagnosed with CML, CLL (just remembered this one) and one more variation of Leukemia, I am persistently tired. What must I do to become energized?
Male | 72 years old
Complaint duration: 10/08/00
Medications: cancer meds which I feel contribute to the condition: Jakafi & Hydroxurea
Conditions: CML,CLL
1 Answer
There is a name for what you are experiencing: Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF). The etiology appears to be a disturbance in multiple parts of the immune system with resulting inflammation that spills over into the brain. As the cause of this immune disturbance isn't clear, there is no established treatment. Some people with CRF will benefit from s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) 400 mg twice a day. SAMe can shut down bad genes but doesn't work in everyone and is OTC and pricey. A prescription med that is also used in lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) 200 mg twice a day sometimes helps CRF. A retinal specialist has to OK this medication as there is a very small chance of retinal damage.
