Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bitely, MI
June 2, 2019
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly reassured someone just 16 days post-stem cell transplant that extreme fatigue and needing to sleep constantly is... Read more

Members overwhelmingly reassured someone just 16 days post-stem cell transplant that extreme fatigue and needing to sleep constantly is completely normal, with many sharing they slept 12 to 20 hours a day for weeks or even months after their own transplants. Several members emphasized the importance of gentle daily walking to rebuild strength while honoring the body's need for rest, noting that pushing too hard leads to setbacks and that recovery typically takes anywhere from 6 months to over a year, with some still experiencing fatigue years later as their new normal. A recurring theme was patience, self-compassion, and trusting that the exhaustion is the body's way of healing from the intense chemotherapy and immune system reset, with many encouraging the person to listen to their body, rest without guilt, and celebrate small improvements along the way.

A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Stephanie That is very normal and in fact it doesn’t go away very soon. You are recovering from having no immune system to slowly building it back up. We don’t even have the immunities our mother’s gave us at birth. It takes time! Energy coming back probably takes the longest. You will get there! Be patient and listen to your body, rest when you are tired. It means that you are healing, getting better. Love, Marcia 🌸

September 25, 2020
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I still sleep a lot and it’s been 20years so fatigue will be there forever but rest when needed because if you push it you will be sorry the next day,

July 27, 2022 (edited)
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Guess I’ve been too hard on myself after reading everyone’s messages,it’s only been 5 months since my transplant and I still get tired,thought I would be as good as new by now. So I push myself to do things,but my backpain is just so painful I have to stop. I got a fractured back last year,because of my cancer in my bones,which has healed but my lower back spondylitis just kills me ,even Just watering my flower garden and cutting a few flowers gets me down. I’m still on chemo,the pill form,Dr said for the rest of my life,so my blood counts r still low. If it wasn’t for my sweet husband’s understanding I don’t know what I would do. I want to give up sometimes, praying and hearing all your stories let’s me know I’m not alone! Thank you all for sharing💓

August 27, 2020
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Oh Yes. I would definitel6 sleep a lot. Some days just getting up to use the bathroom seemed too much. You will find your strength will come back very gradually but it does come back. Be patient and try not to rush it!

June 2, 2019
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Sleep when you need it. It's ok.

February 17, 2023

Related Questions

View All
A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Warrenton, VA

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Oceanside, CA