Out of sorts - experiencing fatigue and anxiety 8 months after treatment. Is this normal?

Hello. I’m 8 months post chemo radiation for cervical cancer. I have been struggling with debilitating fatigue and been advised this could be a combination of cancer treatment and going through the menopause. I’ve had bloods taken and had a scan of my pelvis as I was terrified that cancer had returned as the fatigue I am feeling was similar to that when I was first diagnosed. I feel the fatigue is lifting but some days I struggle to get out of bed and some days when I’m up and about it’s a struggle to do the simplest of tasks. The days I am able to do tasks I find I am extremely anxious about doing tasks. It ranges from carrying out personal care to going out to the shops to doing household chores. Is it normal to have problems with anxiety months after treatment ends? I had severe anxiety going through treatment and  soon after but I thought with time things would become easier. Thank you for taking time to read over my post. 

  • Hello aggie1612 and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your fatigue. It is not unusual to feel so tired after chemotherapy and radiotherapy but I can understand how frustrating this must be for you particularly as it is a while since you finished.

    Trying to gently exercise each day and gradually building it up can real help with fatigue. Eating a well balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Making sure that you are drinking plenty of water. At least 2 litres a day can help. 

    I would talk to your GP about your tiredness. You may find it helpful to have some counselling to help with some of the anxiety you are feeling. 

    The NHS have information about different types of Counselling which you might find helpful.

    Macmillan offer 4 free Counselling sessions which you might find helpful.

    I am not sure where you are living in the UK but if you are near a Maggie Centre they offer lots of different classes. Some people find that yoga can help with tiredness. 

    We have a page on our website about managing fatigue which you might find helpful.

    We also have a page about mental health during and after cancer treatment which you might also like to look at.

    I do hope that as time goes on you will feel less tired. It is good that you have been able to share this on the forum. You have posted in 'ask the nurses' but if you post on another thread or start your own you might find that you get more responses about how others have coped after treatment.

    You are welcome to ring and chat through any of this with one of the nurses on the helpline. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine