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Fatigue and brain fog

Carol-ann
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Hi

I am now 6 months post chemotherapy having had 5 cycles of EC-T followed by 15 rounds of Radiotherapy.

I am not on hormone therapy due to severe side effects and had IV infusion of Zometa approx 5 weeks ago.

I worry about fatigue and brain fog as it is not improving and I am limited to what I can do due to stiffness in my arm. 

I was always very healthy, went cycling, swimming and had a healthy weight and did not drink alcohol or smoke. There is no family history and I have no underlying health issues. I am 51 yr old and feel like I have aged 10 year since starting treatment. I am limited to going short walks only and I am starting to get really frustrated now.

Any advice would be great 

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    Hi Carol-ann  I am sorry to hear about your fatigue and brain fog.  I do think that you are being a bit too harsh on yourself.  You certainly have been through a traumatic experience.  I found it hard to cope both emotionally and physically, I was 47 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I think the short walks are a great idea and you can gradually build yourself back to your previous level of fitness.  Cancer certainly changes you forever and maybe we have to learn to live with the new norm.  I wish you luck on your journey, you will get there.

    Lee x

  • Offline in reply to leelaloo

    Thanks for your message Lee x 

    I honestly didn't think I would still be feeling like this after 6 months! Having previously been a very active person to now constantly feeling sluggish and slow. I just wondered if others experienced this and how long it took to get increased energy level back. 

  • Offline in reply to Carol-ann

    Hi Carol-ann  I think it took me about a year to start feeling better and my brain fog to go.  That was 12 years ago and now it has come back again :( 

    Lee x

  • Offline in reply to leelaloo

    Hi Lee, Yes, I think it's just going to take another few months before my energy returns, but it's so frustrating. I'm sorry to hear that your brain fog has returned, it's difficult when you find it hard to remember things and lose your focus and concentration:(

    Best wishes x

  • Hello, and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry you are still feeling the effects of treatment, but this is not unusual.

    Brain fog (chemo brain) and fatigue can take time to leave the system, and everyone is different, for when that will be.

    Life beyond cancer is about adjusting to your new normal for however long that normal is, until side effects change/improve again. Your body has physically been through a lot, and at 51 will go through other changes too. But supporting your mental health during this time is essential to give you the tools to adjust.

    It might help to hear from others who have come through treatment and come out the other side. Breast cancer now has information on life after treatment, and Moving Forward, if helpful.

    Do also mention to your specialist nurse (BCN) about all of this and the stiffness in your arm.

    Take care, and if you want to talk to the nurses on the helpline the number to call is 0808 800 4040. Lines are open mon-fri,9-5.

    Sarah.

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