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Is any one else still really tired after finishing cancer treatment? It's been almost 2 years since I finished chemo

123heather
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I was diagnosed in dec 2022 had chemo radio and Filigrastin injections that finished feb 2024 .. I went back to work but exhausted and finally left work in july 2024 after being back at work for 12 months .. which was also during my radiotherapy. What I would like to ask is, I kept reading and keep reading that the effects of cancer treatment does not last … I just feel that that is not the truth . I feel so tired and I know my body is not as strong as it was pre cancer .. it will be 2 years this June since the end of my chemo and I’m just so tired and in pain in my joints etc .. does it get better ️‍ 

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    Hi Heather

    I think fatigue is experienced by almost everyone with cancer. The doctors tell you that you should not have fatigue once fully recovered from your treatments. But I certainly have between episodes over last 10 years. After radiotherapy to head and neck I thought it may be due to a damaged thyroid gland but was told  the treatment deliberately avoided that area. I had tests anyway and thyroid function is good. I wonder if the reason for fatigue could be psychological like a form of post traumatic stress. What are your thoughts on this. Do you have any strategies for dealing with fatigue like excersise, daytime rest periods, early nights good diet.

    Ed

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    Hello Ed 

    thank you for replying.. I take naps when I need to and eat a healthy diet and exercise when I feel I can. I have a 3 year old granddaughter who keeps me active a few times a week. You may be right about it being a mind set or ptsd, I just really thought I would be coming out the other end by now as I’ve always been a very positive person. I just feel that if I knew that this is my new norm, that I could live with and manage that, it’s the pipe dream of “getting back to normal “ that I can’t reconcile to and it’s almost as if am I doing something wrong not to feel as though I’m getting back to normal ? If you know what I mean. Thank you for your response, I will carry on with my own new normal and maybe be kinder to myself and take the pressure off :)

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    Your body and mind has been though a lot.  On the physical side though if you have had chemo that is a toxin and that definitely weakens the body as is a poison.  I made a definite effort to get fit afterwards.  I was lucky enough to win a year's gym membership.  So I worked hard to get my body in the condition it was before.  My body was ravages by the treatment, it took some time.

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