Tiredness after head/neck radiotherapy

I have a more or less permanent tiredness and fatigue problem. I had 6weeks of daily radiotherapy for tonsil/tongue cancer which finished end October 2024. Whereas the outcome  was 100% clear I have been left with neck Lymphodema , breathing/swallowing/taste problems. I also have sleeping problems insofar as I can readily go to sleep at about 21.30/22.00 but will always wake up about 3 hours later and that will be it! I wake up breathless and tend to drastically overthink things in my mind which is at times scary. 

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  • Hello Cathodejohn

    I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with extreme tiredness since completing radiotherapy at the end of last year. It sounds like it's having a huge impact on your daily life and I can understand that you want to try and improve things. 

    We have some information about tiredness with cancer that may be helpful but I'd really encourage you to reach out to your clinical nurse specialist and GP for advice and support regarding the symptoms you've mentioned. It's also worth seeing if there are any support organisations such as Maggie's in your local area where you can access support. 

    You're also welcome to call our nurses. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040 (excluding bank holidays). 

    I hope that you can access the support you need to improve things. Keep in touch Cathodejohn, we're here for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

Reply
  • Hello Cathodejohn

    I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with extreme tiredness since completing radiotherapy at the end of last year. It sounds like it's having a huge impact on your daily life and I can understand that you want to try and improve things. 

    We have some information about tiredness with cancer that may be helpful but I'd really encourage you to reach out to your clinical nurse specialist and GP for advice and support regarding the symptoms you've mentioned. It's also worth seeing if there are any support organisations such as Maggie's in your local area where you can access support. 

    You're also welcome to call our nurses. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040 (excluding bank holidays). 

    I hope that you can access the support you need to improve things. Keep in touch Cathodejohn, we're here for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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