Cancer Fatigue

stub1969

Hello everybody.  This is probably a silly question, but one I want to ask.  I'm a little over one week out of my second surgery in a month (chRCC removal end of August and Thyroid cancer removal last week).  As I recover my body is starting to feel better than it has in years.  As you know, one of the symptoms of cancer is fatigue.  Prior to surgery I was an avid runner and there were times I was just tired.  I felt in great shape and attributed the fatigue to more weekly miles and time in gym, plus the demands of my job.  Now I'm realizing it could have been the cancer in my body having this effect on me.  My question--did you feel this way after your recovery from surgery?  I'm trying to decide if it was actually cancer fatigue or I'm just feeling this way because my body is releasing all of the stress and pressure I felt after my diagnosis.

Thanks,

Stub    

pamstayner

Avid runner? All I manage is to breathe

It will take awhile for your thryoid replacements to put you back to "normal" whatever in the world that really is... anymore.  Stress and pressure are going to be the enemy, it can trigger more cancer growth for those of us who are stage 4.  But it sounds like you are going to be fine... two surgeries in a month... I'm tired, and you had the surgeries. ! You are young, you have a great treatment facility, and I think you are on a good track.  Do not rush back to all the busy stressful life.  Take your time.  Let your body dictate the pace.  Be well.  Pam

foxhd

stubbs,

I stopped running a couple years back. But I've been a runner for about 40 years. Also weight trained the same amount or more. There is absolutely no question that I'd be dead if I hadn't been an exerciser. Even been told that the only reason that I am still alive is because I remain so active. Anyway, I'd noticed a decline in my exercise performance for quite some time despite efforts to push. I was confused because I know I was not over training. Next thing my kidney was removed. I was running ok in a month. Kept easy jogging and weight lifting for a couple more years. As my cancer  progressed I was happy to comfortably walk the golf course. This fatigue thing is a tough thing to put your finger on. When it first starts to happen you are not sure what is going on and dismiss it. But it is real. Two days ago I slept about 16 hours. Never did that before but gave myself the privilige because I was just wiped out. Today? Not so much.

Footstomper

Speaking as a Harmonica Player

I think its your body just recovering. No way you have 'recovered' from the major surgery, tension, stress, pressure, old Uncle Tom Cobley and all. Youre back at work as well arent you Stub? You're going to get tired for a while.

stub1969

Thanks for your perspectives

To answer the question--yes, I am back to work.  I really love my job and hate to be away.  I took a week off after my kidney surgery.  The week I returned I just did half days then went right back to full days the week after.  I had my thyroid out on Wednesday and went back to work on Monday.  I have learned that I was carrying a lot of work related stress prior to diagnosis.  Now I really don't allow this to happen. 

Fox I agree with you--exercise has a huge impact.  The nurses were surprised after both surgeries because I was up and walking right away.  They were cautious, but they let me do it. 

I'm not sure what is going on.  Today I started jogging again--only 1.5 miles, but it felt good.  I did take it easy.  Pam, perhaps my thyroid was all out of whack because of the cancer and it caused fatigue.  Like Fox said, I'm sure I just brushed it off.  I don't know what it is, but I just feel better.

Again, thanks!

Stub

Jan4you

My thoughts is that your

My thoughts is that your thyroid cancer could be the resulting fatigue. If our thyroid is underperforming, fatigue is one result. Then add the fact that cancer is gone now helps. Whether is a placebo affect or actual result, ENJOY this recovery time! But don't push it!

Hugs and glad this is past you now,

Jan

stub1969

Jan

Thanks, Jan.  I appreciate your strong emotiional support--as I'm sure most people here do.  I promise not to push it.  

Stub

Footstomper

stub1969 said:

Thanks for your perspectives

To answer the question--yes, I am back to work.  I really love my job and hate to be away.  I took a week off after my kidney surgery.  The week I returned I just did half days then went right back to full days the week after.  I had my thyroid out on Wednesday and went back to work on Monday.  I have learned that I was carrying a lot of work related stress prior to diagnosis.  Now I really don't allow this to happen. 

Fox I agree with you--exercise has a huge impact.  The nurses were surprised after both surgeries because I was up and walking right away.  They were cautious, but they let me do it. 

I'm not sure what is going on.  Today I started jogging again--only 1.5 miles, but it felt good.  I did take it easy.  Pam, perhaps my thyroid was all out of whack because of the cancer and it caused fatigue.  Like Fox said, I'm sure I just brushed it off.  I don't know what it is, but I just feel better.

Again, thanks!

Stub

I recommend..

Steak and Kidney pie, such as the one my wife is cooking now. Fills you full of vim and puts hairs on your chest (if appropriate) and tastes bloody wonderful.