Fatigue post treatment

smc0057
smc0057 Member Posts: 17
in Anal Cancer #1

Hi All!  I finished my 2 cycles of chemo and all my radiation treatment almost 3 weeks ago.   The skin on my bottom is greatly improved, but still pretty ouchy on the inside and BM's are better but still not fun.   The worst part for me right now is this horrible fatigue.  I went back to work this week, 4 hrs per day.  But I'm so, so tired.   I was very fit and active before the treatment and now I'm so de-conditioned.   This seems worse to me than anything else.   How long did this fatigue last for some of you?   There is a cancer survivorship center where I live.  They have a cancer exercise specialist personal trainer.  I think I'm going to call her Monday.  I can have three free sessions and perhaps she can help me work out a way to start getting my strength back?  I hope so.  I'm an avid hiker and cyclist and it breaks my heart that I cannot do these things now.   Maybe I'm expecting too much too soon?  

 

Thanks!

Sherie

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    smc0057

    It sounds like your recovery is pretty much on track--some things will just take awhile to improve.  I was very active before my diagnosis too--I was a runner and cyclist as well.  The best I could do for about a month was walk on my treadmill with short bursts of running at a slow pace mixed in.  I was really happy when I could actually run a mile, albeit at a slow pace.  Three and a half years after my treatment ended, I ran a full marathon, so it is possible to get back to full speed, so to speak!  I think seeing the exercise specialist is a great idea.  I used to work in a physical therapy clinic and people who are trained in rehabilitation can be angels, when it comes to recovering from injury, or as in our case, cancer treatment.  You will get back to your previous level if you are patient with yourself and let your body tell you how much you can do.  I wish you all the very best!

  • smc0057
    smc0057 Member Posts: 17
    #3
    mp327 said:

    smc0057

    It sounds like your recovery is pretty much on track--some things will just take awhile to improve.  I was very active before my diagnosis too--I was a runner and cyclist as well.  The best I could do for about a month was walk on my treadmill with short bursts of running at a slow pace mixed in.  I was really happy when I could actually run a mile, albeit at a slow pace.  Three and a half years after my treatment ended, I ran a full marathon, so it is possible to get back to full speed, so to speak!  I think seeing the exercise specialist is a great idea.  I used to work in a physical therapy clinic and people who are trained in rehabilitation can be angels, when it comes to recovering from injury, or as in our case, cancer treatment.  You will get back to your previous level if you are patient with yourself and let your body tell you how much you can do.  I wish you all the very best!

    Thank you so much, your

    Thank you so much, your remarks are very encouraging!  Need to be more patient with myself obviously.   

  • Wellzen
    Wellzen Member Posts: 42
    #4
    I also had a hard time with

    I also had a hard time with fatigue. I am feeling much better  8 months after treatment. I am able to do much more each month. I am sure you will get back to normal. You have been through alot. You need to give your body time to recover. I am sure a physical therapist can help. Good luck and fast healing...

  • smc0057
    smc0057 Member Posts: 17
    #5
    Wellzen said:

    I also had a hard time with

    I also had a hard time with fatigue. I am feeling much better  8 months after treatment. I am able to do much more each month. I am sure you will get back to normal. You have been through alot. You need to give your body time to recover. I am sure a physical therapist can help. Good luck and fast healing...

    Thanks!  Not that I want

    Thanks!  Not that I want anyone else to have this fatigue, but it's helpful to know that it is to be expected.   I have my appt with the exercise specialist this Friday (she is a cancer survivor) and I think it will be very good for me.   She brought up many issues on the phone that I was not aware of, so we will meet and I'll have a structured plan to follow.  Just what I like!  

  • Drmsmscott
    Drmsmscott Member Posts: 3
    #6
    Post neck treatment diet

    Im 6 months post treatment for squeamish cell carcinoma on the base of my tongue. Lost a lot of weight but two PT scans are both clean. Im having trouble with my diet as my salivary glands got hammered. I need some help finding foods I can get down that will help with weight gain and not make me nauseous with excess mucus. Can anyone help with diet suggestions? 

    Dave

    ps. Can’t figure out why my pic is upside down. Doh! 

  • maggiesco
    maggiesco Member Posts: 39 Member
    #7
    same here

    Hi Sherie,

    i finished treatment about 10 weeks ago and I'm just starting to feel my energy coming back. About 3 weeks ago, I just started going out in the world running errands, going to restaurants, and shopping. After these activities I come home and relax as they can exhaust me. I'm taking my time and just listening to my body and not rushing things. Hope this helps.

    Hugs,

    Maggie

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