Hi. I've had my treatments but I am also suffering from it. Tiredness and fatigue are 2 different things which is worth bearing in mind. My specialist has told me that if I need to sleep to do so. It's our bodies way of repairing itself and needs the energy to do it. Tiring ourselves out can only be detrimental. I'm a bricklayer so I was very active and worked proper hours. I've not worked since Feb 28th now. I have tried doing bits including building my own garden wall but that wiped me out for 3 days. I'm going to phase my way back in but it's a slow process. It's frustrating considering my age. I've also got 2 young kids who take a lot of time and energy. Balancing fit all is very hard. Just accept your body is battling right now. Sleep when you need to. Listen to your body. 

Hi Silver, I had replied to this, but seems it didn't post . I just wanted to say that I've been on Anastrozole for eight months now and you're not alone. I think this whole rollercoaster is exhausting anyway, but Anastrozole has caused me major insomnia, fatigue, joint pain on top of all the exacerbated menopausal symptoms that I had previously seen the back of thanks to HRT. It takes some adjusting to the side effects. I think some people are lucky and don't get them, but others will get some.  My Oncologist confirmed the side effects are caused by Anastrozole and I'm just trying to find the best ways of managing them. 
my first reply was better, lol. 
virtual hugs - Mickey

Thank you for replying , I have read your 2 posts. My journey is similar to yours except I am awaiting delayed Diep reconstruction. If I am so fatigued now I can imagine after major surgery how I will be feeling. Talking to Doctors's  about Anastrazole fatigue it was suggested trying Tamoxifen, but that has side effects too so am staying on Anastrazole. My cancer had spread from my right breast to 2 lymph nodes so am wary of stopping hormone treatment, which would be the other alternative. Also I felt unwell for a few days a week ago and wondered if I had had a mild Covid which also could be causing this fatigue. I also get hot flushes although I'm way past menopause. I hope your symptons ease like mine, I suppose we will never be the same but are lucky to be where we are 

Best wishes

Silver 

Morning Silver, I know you were hoping to have your diep reconstruction early next year, I was just wondering if you have a confirmed date or timeframe yet? I guess in some ways the fact that you are on Anastrozole already prior to this op and trying to manage the side effects, especially fatigue may serve in your favour. You will be used to listening to your body and resting when you need to and that is definitely what will help you through post op. Closer to the time, I'm happy to answer any queries you have (just respond to me on a thread I'm in (like this one) or private message me if you prefer. If you read my profile you will have seen that I was pleased with the op and I'd make the same choice again, but it is a long recovery period and I don't think I quite realised how major the op was and that you need to listen to your body to allow it to recover for a long time. I'm still doing that now almost ten months on and expect that to be the case for another year or so from what I've been told. 
Take care Silver. 

hugs Mickey

Thanks Mickey

Am I answering on this thread? How do I DM you? 

Yes, hoping for early next year. The Consultants at the hospital were very positive, apart from the obvious my health is good and they think I am a good candidate for Diep. I also met with other ladies that have been through it and they were all pleased with the outcome. It seems it's the tummy that gives the most problems healing and as you say a long recovery. 

It was 2 years after masectomy before I could even consider the operation. I do realise that it is a major op and recovery will be a long time considering my age too. But I feel it's the right decision for me. 
I didn't really know how a masectomy would feel as at the time it was all about removing the cancer and I don't think I discussed the options fully.

Did you have any further remedial ops as I was told that often happens.? 

Anyway here I am and luckily have very nice ladies like you to give support. One can't imagine the process without going through it ...

Silver 

Hi Silver, I've just sent you a friends request - if you haven't used private messaging before you will find the options under your nickname far right of the top toolbar. You can then see an option for friends and can accept the friends request if you like. If you do that you will then be able to message me privately from that menu. The only downside is that you don't get notified by email when someone sends you a private message and so you have to check messages under your nickname when you log in. Yes, you replied on this thread, so I got an email that you had replied and so that way I won't miss it. I don't get the chance to log on every day, but I do regularly check and reply to any messages I get when I can. 
 

I remember reading before that you had met people, that's good of your hospital to organise that. I didn't have that advantage, just saw photos of one case sample. 
 

Thats understandable, at the time of diagnosis you can't think future, it's really hard. I luckily knew a couple of people who had both had delayed Dieps and so I knew how that was for them and that if able, I wanted immediate, which luckily I was a good candidate for too. No regrets at all.  I am on waiting list for nipple reconstruction and tidy up and may need more surgery longer term to correct impact of radiotherapy. 
 

Absolutely, I totality agree on both counts. 
 

virtual hugs Mickey 

Re struggling with fatigue. I have had 2 blood tests a month apart and my blood sugar levels are high. I have now been referred to the Diabetes nurse! I am not overweight, eat fairly well and moderate exercise. Having done some research Tamoxifen and Anastrazole both have a higher risk of developing Diabetes Well I was never told that, another side effect to be concerned about. ....

Silver 

Hi Silver,

sorry to hear fatigue is an issue for you. It's so debilitating when it hits. It seems you do everything in your power to reduce the negative side affects of the hormone treatment. So hoping you are not diagnosed with diabetes. Honestly we all have enough to contend with don't we. 
 

I chime with your fears of a recurrence. It's something I fight against as I am sure you do but sometimes the fear finds  it's way into my thoughts. I find it's the lasting legacy of my diagnosis really. Physically I have been pretty good but the 'fear factor' is ever present. Sometimes close up. At other times far away. Just now a bit close for comfort as I have a hacking cough that won't budge. X-rays next week. Fingers crossed it's nothing more than a cough. 
 

Like you I was diagnosed in 2019. I don't take the hormone meds because I really don't manage the side affects that well. Take my hat off to everyone that does! Unless you are very fortunate I feel it's a big ask to acclimatise to the affects of them. It cannot be easy. 
 

Anyway I wish you well. Hope your op happens soon. I guess that will complete the circle for you in many ways. Back to the way you were with a big tick against an experience you could have done without!!!! 
 

Go well. 
Kebbs x x 

Morning Silver, sorry for delayed response. Do you know how long the referral will take and what happens then? I'm really sorry to hear that. I must admit I haven't seen diabetes listed as a side effect on any of my Anastrozole packets. I'm shocked like you were to find there may be a link. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it isn't diabetes, but please keep me posted.  Today the worst joint pain is in my neck and shoulders, oh joy - time to press on. Have a good day - Virtual hugs Mickey x