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Radiotherapy Tiredness

gracemac123
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Hello, I'm wondering what everyone's experience is with fatigue from radio?

I had a lumpectomy in April and 10 sessions of radio in June. I had thought that the fatigue would only last a month but I am still having days when I'm completely floored. I can be completely fine one week and then the next I struggle to get off the couch. I'm 28 and was very fit before my diagnosis. I've been trying to exercise but have been inconsistent because I feel like my body can't do what it used to. Sometimes when I'm running it feels like someone is sitting on my lungs. 
 

I started back work this week (phased return) so I know that's why I'll be more tired this weekend but does anyone know when fatigue will completely disappear? I'm also on tamoxifen so that might also have an impact.

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    Hi there, sorry to meet you here. I think that we have to remember that like our cancer, the way our bodies react to different treatments will differ. I finished my RT in April and I've had side effects to my skin (it's very sensitive, but thank heavens for flamigel). Also I had a diep reconstruction and it has, sadly hardened my reconstructed breast. I'm suffering with tiredness, I still struggle with fatigue and insomnia, but I am on Anastrozole and so I think it's more likely the side effect of that, but it could equally be both. Working I think makes you notice more, as does exercise because some of us will never get back to how we used to be. Having said that, I'm not being negative. I've realised that I am a 'new me' and I'm working hard to find the best way to keep active and working as I am now. I am determined to live my life within the means I have. 
     

    we're all different, but need a holding hand and I hope that helps. You will find your way. 
     

    virtual hug Mickey xx ️

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    Just finished treatment lumpectomy last dec 5 months of chemotherapy from February 10 days of radiology  what a long time now    I want my body back I am so fatigued all the time I all so have peripheral neuropathy in my feet as well as slight tightness in my face. Not on any medication x

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    Gracemac123

    Hi I had 15 rounds of Radiotherapy which ended in March 2021,and yes it does exhaust you and yes you do get good weeks and bad weeks. I still to this day get easily tired,I'm on Letrazole for 10 yrs,and I have lymphedema ( mild) in my right arm,I don't sleep well at the best of times, so that all doesn't help.But I try to make the most of my life, I keep telling myself not to be to hard on myself,as I get frustrated that I can't do as much as I used to without extreme tiredness coming over me,but I pull myself together  and think of what my bodies been through  and im lucky I caught the cancer early and I'm still here. But the answer to yoir question is yes,and I guess many will say the same who's gone through any cancer treatments .

  • Offline in reply to Jassoscared

    Hi

    Ive just posted about fatigue and insomnia.  I had masectomy, chemo and radiotherapy in 2021. Still now wiped out some days. I'm am on the waiting list for a Diep reconstruction so hope my body will cope. Until you've experienced fatigue it's hard to describe,  it's different from tiredness But I suppose a minor side effect compared to the cancer. I thought I might take up swimming in between my walking, working and gardening and being comatose on the couch! ....

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