Post Radiotherapy Fatigue

My husband completed 20 sessions of radiotherapy for prostate cancer in March 24. The treatment was successful but although he has returned to work he is constantly needing to sleep when at home, . He was formerly very active but now can sleep for hours at a time during the day when he is not at work. He sleeps 8 plus hours at night then wakes only to fall back to sleep. His libido has not returned since the hormone injections were given to him before his radiotherapy commenced. He would like his previous energy levels to return.

  • Hi DeliaG, and a warm welcome to the forum, it's wonderful to hear treatment went so well, I have prostate cancer too and had aggressive RT, 19 months ag, and HT for 30 months, Delia, fatigue is a very common side effect of HT, affecting most of us, losing all your testosterone is difficult for your body and mind to adjust to, but by far the best way, maybe the only way is through exercise, any exercise is good, I used to walk at first, especially when I felt sleepy, I'd just go out for 10 minutes, then slowly increased the walks over time, then adding exercise classes when I felt up to it, PS I too lost my libido for several months, which returned as my energy and fitness levels improved.

    Eddie

  • Hello and hanks for posting

    I'm sorry your husband is struggling with fatigue and other changes following his treatment. It must be a difficult adjustment for both of you especially when he was so active before.

    Prostate cancer and its treatment can affect libido. You may find it helpful to read on Prostate Cancer UK's website the treatment and support that is available.

    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. Macmillan Cancer Support has some further information on fatigue.

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

    I think it would be a good idea for your husband to talk to his doctors or specialist nurse about his 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