Am I ever going to feel like myself again?

karaboo
karaboo Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1
I am 2 1/2 years post breast cancer, and I am wondering if anyone can tell me if it is normal to still feel bad. I feel like I will never be myself again in so many ways. Yes, it is both mental and physical, I am just so exhausted all the time. Certainly not as much as I was during double mastectomy and chemo, but I just thought by now I would be me again. Any words of wisdom?

Comments

  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    #2
    I can relate!
    I finished all my treatments (lumpectomy, chemo - C/T, and rads) at the end of April of last year, and I still feel fatigued most of the time.

    My onco said that the recovery from fatigue really varies individually, and although most women may have recovered by now, it's also not unusual for me to still feel tired.

    I also hope to feel like myself soon, and for the most part I do, but I'm just not 100% yet, and I'm actually OK even if I don't ever get to feeling exactly like my old self. I have many good things going for me, am able to work F/T and go to school P/T. I just can't seem to get enough rest, and don't feel like exercising, even though I would probably feel better if I did.

    There also may be something else going on, and you should definitely let your doc know how you're feeling so that they can keep an eye on you.

    Hang in there!

    Cindy
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    #3
    Karaboo
    The short answer is ... NO ... you will never feel like you did before. Your body has gone through ... and is still going through changes ... not just because of the breast cancer ... because of time and the aging process ... and that is not a bad thing. This is your "new normal." It sounds strange but ... whatever cancer did for to my body ... my outlook on life couldn't be better. I've learned to be a bit selfish ... and value the things that are REALLY important ... and not waste time on things I cannot change. I guess it all narrows down to the Serenity Prayer ... because ... it is what it is

    big hugs.
    teena
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    #4
    oops ...
    sorry ...double post ...
  • lizzie17
    lizzie17 Member Posts: 548
    #5
    tgf said:

    Karaboo
    The short answer is ... NO ... you will never feel like you did before. Your body has gone through ... and is still going through changes ... not just because of the breast cancer ... because of time and the aging process ... and that is not a bad thing. This is your "new normal." It sounds strange but ... whatever cancer did for to my body ... my outlook on life couldn't be better. I've learned to be a bit selfish ... and value the things that are REALLY important ... and not waste time on things I cannot change. I guess it all narrows down to the Serenity Prayer ... because ... it is what it is

    big hugs.
    teena

    agreed
    Well put.
  • Annette 11
    Annette 11 Member Posts: 380
    #6
    Tired
    I feel tired by 2pm so I do try to take a nap. I don't have the energy that I had before BC. We have been through alot mentally and physically so how can we be the same as we were. Have you had a a blood test to make sure you are not low in iron? Talk to your doctor about your exhaustion. A nap helps me if I don't sleep for more than 1 hour.

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