...

I'm no doctor, but both of those points seem very
relevant to me.  Although it's certainly true that
depression can cause fatigue, neither counseling
nor anti-depressants can counter anemia or some
other bio-chemical deficiency.  It would be very
frustrating to go through counseling and anti-depressant
medication if the real problem is biochemical.

Taking supplements may help, but may also mask
the problem in blood tests.  I like the idea of taking
supplements, but wonder if it's possible to get hold
of a doctor to find out whether it's a good idea, and
whether it's possible to get a full set of blood tests
ASAP so he can find out what supplements he might
need - if any.

It is surprising, but true, that a tiny amount of some
chemical, whether too much or too little, can make
an extraordinary difference in your quality of life.  Ask
anyone who's had a thyroid condition, a diabetic
condition, or any of a hundred other similar problems.
These problems can make you feel like death is
right around the corner but sometimes turn out to be very
easy to treat.

Tell Curt to hang on while you get this investigated,
and also tell him that everyone on this newsgroup is
rooting hard for him to pull through this.

Both of you are in our thoughts.

Best of luck to you both.

   Alan

He is on the low end of normal for rbc and hematocrit

He was on Zyban for the first month or so to quit smoking and then stopped.
He was given Paxil 2 months ago but quit taking it because it had sexual
side effects and that really isn't a problem for us. I keep talking about
depression. (hell, I had to add a med to keep sane since this has all
happened. Prozac and now Wellbutrin too)

Thanks Mike, a bit of an update, Curt took 2 Vicodin Saturday evening and
then was feeling better (his pin-prickly bone pain was back again :(
and then again on Sunday he took 2 in the morning. He had been taking 2 in
the morning before work and 2 in the evening but was "worried" about taking
so much. the doc keeps saying to not worry about pain meds.
We will see, he is at a golf tournament this morning and I am meeting him at
the Club at noon. I was going to go pull his cart for him (too wet here in
MN to drive the cart on the fairways) but I was so tired from working the
weekend and S4 had another nosebleed this morning at 0630 so I stayed home
with him.

Thanks for all your suggestions. this NG has been so helpful to me.

Hubby had his last radiation treatment (42) May 5.  He too suffers from
extreme fatigue.  He has other physical problems and insomnia is an old
friend.  Basically, when he is tired, I let him sleep as long as he
wants and encourage him to nap if needed during the day.  The radiation
caused him to become anemic (or we guess that's what caused it), so that
contributes to the fatigue.

The good news is that I can see quite a bit of improvement in the last
week or so.  We can go to the grocery store, put the food away and he
doesn't have to go lay down.  He is still  pale and will get dark
circles under his eyes when he is tired, but I am encouraged by his
increased stamina.  Tell your husband "this too shall pass" and to take
it easy until he feels ready to take on more activity.

He has a physical job (flooring) probably too strenuous plus he is a driven
person and doesn't like to slow down. and I have brought up the idea of
evening walks. I will keep working at this.

with him?

He is sleeping better than he has for awhile.

it is.

He doesn't want a primary care physician. I know..

Yes, it has basically become my job to research and I come here for myself
more than for him. In fact, I am the one who calls the nurse and does most
of the talking to the doctor. Last time we were there and Curt said he was
Fatigued the doctor keep pushing Viagra!!

I wish he would. I do put many of the relevant posts in folder and print
them out for him to read.

Thanks. you too.

Would he ever consider going for counseling? Maybe he needs to speak to a
professional about his condition and the whole situation. It may not relieve
the fatigue, but he may be able to cope with everything better. Just a
thought since I know that both Dennis and I were depressed over his
diagnosis last year, and not all medical doctors take the time to listen to
everything.
Best wishes to you both.
Bonnie

I will ask Dr Londer this on wednesday. thanks for the sugg.

Lori,

My husband also is experiencing severe fatigue while on the hormones.
It does seem to help to take the vitamins, try to walk, etc. but the
fatigue is still present.  In addition to r/o anemia or any other
medical problems, I also feel a consult with a counselor would be in
order.  After my husband was diagnosed a year ago, we were faced with
many issues which was not only depressing us but creating conflict
between us so I made an appointment for both of us to go see a
counselor.  At first my husband wasn't too thrilled about going but in
the end he asked if he could go alone and talk to the counselor.  I
think it was very beneficial to have that nonbiased third party. I
deal with this dilemma by engulfing myself into as much information as
I can.  I have no problem talking to anyone and everyone who will
listen to me "vent" about this ugly disease. Sometimes I think my
husband is in denial. My husband tells everyone that he is "fine" so
he never has the opportunity to openly discuss his fears, anxieties,
etc. with anyone but me and its like pulling teeth for me to get him
to talk.

Like you and your husband, our situation is ongoing.  We've been
through surgery, radiation and now long-term hormonal therapy knowing
all too well that we are trying to buy some extra time here.  
Unfortunately, the longer the treatments go on, the harder it is to
stay positive and focused.  You and your husband have had to digest an
awful lot of information in a very short period of time.  I think its
only normal that he would feel overwhelmed and quite possibly
depressed.

Sandi