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Still experiencing fatigue a year after finishing prostate cancer treatment. Is this to be expected?

shaun62
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Hello, I had Prostate Cancer last year.

I received 6doses of Chemotherapy followed by 37 sessions of Radiotherapy which ended last November.

i am still feeling constantly tired every day is this to be expected or should I consider seeing the doctor?

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    Hi Shaun62

    Your body has been subject to a lot of stress. Surgery, then basically poisoned and afterwards burned with radiotherapy. Plus the immense psychological trauma inflicted by this. You are bound to feel tired. I was told the tiredness would subside after several months, it did a little bit but Ive been tired ever since treatment. I had my thyroid function checked but it was OK.

    I was recommended to eat a good diet, avoid alcohol, don't smoke, get fresh air and exercise, socialise with friends and family,  have a regular bedtime with adequate sleep and a short rest during the day, All the usual stuff. While it does help, I am still tired. I think that mild depression also plays its part in all of us who have gone through cancer treatment, I've come to accept the new normal and just do what I can each day. On the days where I have more than normal energy I tend to overdo it and then feel totally washed out the next day. I still have not learned to pace myself which I think is the key to living with this.

    Hope that maybe there is something above of use to you.

    Ed

  • Hello Shaun62 and thanks for posting

    I'm sorry you are still experiencing fatigue ( tiredness) following prostate cancer treatment last year.

    There are many possible causes of fatigue, but the main causes are often due to cancer and its treatments. We have some information on our website about fatigue and tips on how to manage it such as doing a form of gentle exercise, getting enough rest and eating a good diet.

    Fatigue tends to improve over time for most people. It might be a good idea for you to keep a fatigue diary. This can help you keep a record of how you are feeling, and how your energy levels change and can show patterns of your fatigue. This can help you plan your day. It can also highlight which activities make you feel better or worse.

    I think it would be a good idea to to talk to your doctors or your specialist nurse about your fatigue. Sometimes there is a specific medical cause for which there might be a remedy such as anaemia, so do get some input about this from them.

    I hope this is of some help. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

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