Fatigue

Tyndra

Hi. Iam four months out of chemo and almost 2 months out of radiation. I am 52 and pooped almost all the time....I have never been like this before in my life. Has anyone felt like this and does anyone have any suggestions in getting the engery back up. Thanks Tyndra

DeeNY711

I distinctly recall an expectation that the dragging fatigue would vanish within weeks of the last chemo, only to find that during radiation, my husband actually had to drop me off at the door because I could no longer walk across the parking lot into the building anymore. I am now less than two months post-radiation therapy and have much greater strength and stamina, although not to where it was before all of this. Someone previously mentioned that about 7 months after treatment, it was possible to walk without difficulty on a vacation in Europe. I have attended an exercise program that uses gentle machines to stretch and pummel women over the age of 40 back into better muscle tone for the past 4 months and think it has really helped tremendously. Probably, just getting up, getting dressed, driving there and doing a few errands since I'm out anyway has helped.
Hugs,
Denise

jake10

I didn't even have to have chemo or radiation. Had some problems with wound healing after mastectomy but I was tired for a year.
You had chemo and rad, it will take several months for your body to rebuild and if you are on estrogen inhibitors, I believe they drain your energy for the first several months you take them. Along with the joint pain and hot flashes, wonderful stuff!
Be kind to yourself, eat health, take vitamins, walk often when you are at your strongest, sleep when you are tired. Your resistance to colds and such is low so stay away from crowds, and sick friends. Wash your hands often and get your family on that kick as well. As spring and then summer come, your energy will return slowely.
Also, check with your oncologist to make sure your blood counts are good. If you don't start seeing some improvement in 2 months talk to your doctor. good luck, good healing, Beth

inkblot

Hi Tyndra:

It will soon be 3 years since my dx. I had lumpectomy, with sentinel node dissection, chemo and radiation. I never had very much fatigue, once the chemo was over. I did great during radiation. Just listened to my body and rested when needed.

I think everyone responds differently to treatments and side effects are also different for everyone. And it goes without saying that we all have different emotional reactions too.

It's a heck of a lot that our bodies go though and adding insult to injury, our emotions take a beating as well. One can't expect to spring back from all that in just a few months.

My best suggestions: Take excellent care of not only your body (with proper rest, relaxation, exercise, diet, supplements, etc.) but also your emotional health. For some women, finding the key for that one can be more difficult than finding it for the physical nurturing of oneself. It's so important to take good care of yourself, inside and out. Try new things. Experiment with what works for you. Attitude and planning is imperative.

That said, my energy levels today, although good, are not what they were before bc. I'm also 3 years older and menopausal now but I stay very active, physically. Am involved in a lot of different, stimulating things and fuss over my diet and daily good-for-me-routines as if I were my own firstborn! Ha. Truth is, nobody can do it for us, so we must discipline and regiment ourselves in order to not only create, but stick to new and better habits/lifestyles.

Perhaps consult with a nutritionist, or a Naturopathic Physician and get some blood work done to determine your levels of Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, etc.. Check out a day spa or two, get therapeutic massages (I personally benefit greatly from the Chinese Accupressure Massages) try some meditation, Yoga, wave pools,
anything which isn't too strenuous but relaxes and conditions your body while nourishing your spirit. Read some self help books with titles that appeal to you. Get a facial, experiment with your hair style/color...whatever interests you. Now is the time to figure out what the new, improved you is all about and set about living it. That means treating yourself very kindly and gently while you're getting there. MAKE the time to make yourself whole and fulfilled again. Pretty soon, it's all just routine (except for that occasional little treat just for ourselves).

As long as your blood counts are good and nothing else is going on healthwise, it just takes some time and effort.

Hope you're feeling much better soon!

Love, light and laughter,
Ink