Feeling fatigued and low

Last July I was diagnosed with stage Ia grade II endometrial adenocarcinoma.  I had a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy and oophorectomy

from which I seemed to make good recovery but never got my normal energy levels back.  In the November at my follow up appointment I was

advised to have 25 abdominal radiotherapy treatments which would reduce chances of recurrence as there was a high level of lympho-vascular invasion. 

The radiotherapy itself I found ok but the stress of the daily visits and prep took its toll and I had delightful side effects with my bladder and bowels which

I am grateful mostly settled down afterwards.  Fortunately it had little effect on my skin in that area other than a feeling like sunburn and some itching.

My main side effect has been fatigue, overwhelm  and feeling anxious and depressed which is still affecting me some 11 weeks later.  Household tasks

seem like a marathon and I really have to pace myself or I end up feeling like i'll collapse and sometimes just the thought of doing things can make me

feel overwhelmed.  I have put on weight too due to comfort overeating and not being able to exercise enough.  I also haven't had the 6 week check up but

instead, after chasing, it is next week, 12 weeks after the end of my treatment, which has put me on edge.  I feel so much worse than before my

diagnosis, operation and radiotherapy. I am just wondering if there is anyone out there has felt a similar way and if things have improved or any advice?

Sorry if I'm rambling on.

  • Hi KayeM66<

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear that you feel so fatigued after your treatment. Unfortunately, this is not unusual. Some people recover within a few months, while for others, this can remain a legacy of your treatment. This possibly means that it is still early days for you to see a great improvement. Try to get out for a short walk every day. Can you maybe join an exercise class? This can also help to raise your energy levels. I am glad to hear that you have your follow-up appointment next week. Please make sure to discuss this with your consultant. You might find it useful to write down a list of anything you want to discuss before your appointment.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you for your helpful comments.  I must admit I am already working on a list  of items to discuss as things are so

    easily forgotten once you're in the appointment

  • Hi Kayem,

    Do you plan to take someone with you to your appointment. If so, give them a duplicate copy of your questions and ask them to write down the answers, along with anything important that is said during the course of conversation. Most of us forget about 80% of what is said, before we leave the hospital gates.

    I hope that you get some answers next week.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Kayem66

    Its good to reach out and connect. Fatigue is a major side effect of a lot of treatments so you are not alone.

    As frustrating as it is its your bodies way of saying hey we need some time to rest and recuperate. Pacing is the way to go. Stop before that horrible drop hits sit and rest then if you find you have energy do a little more.

    But make sure you do nice things too...wash dishes or chat to a friend .....which makes you feel better?.

    Things will improve. Also get your team to check your iron and b12 levels as lots of treatments cause anaemia and these cause fatigue too but can be treated and improve things for you 

    Also can you access support with house stuff? Even once a fortnight might help.... 

    And maybe a counsellor its a lot to deal with.

    I hope some of this helps a little bit 

    Sorry bit disjointed 

    Sending kindest wishes RB

  • Unfortunately I'm not able to take anyone to this appointment but will take a pad and pen

    myself. 

  • Thanks for your helpful response.  Bloods have all been fine.  I've been trying to do a bit of light gardening while the weathers good and just for short

    periods.  Its just always surprising how it can catch me out  I am currently trying to access some appropriate counselling.  Thanks again

  • Hi Kayem66

    You are very welcome gardening /fresh air sounds good :-) 

    Do mention how fatigue s affecting you at your appointment / blood results sometimes the "numbers" say in normal range  but symptoms are impactful.....everyone is different ...

    Top tips on pacing can be found on any good site for ME/CFS different reason for the fatigue but the strategies are very helpful

    Good luck with the counselling Art Therapy is good ,( no you dont need to be able to draw like Rembrandt!) 

    Best wishes RB  

  • Hi Kaye,

    Do you live near a Maggies' Centre? They offer free counselling and I found them extremely helpful.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Sorry my reply is late but thanks for supportive message.  Have had my follow up appointment with a scan to follow.  

    My radiologist said fatigue  could last up to 12 months.  havn't had a chance yet but will have a look at me/cfs sites.

    I find that the follow up concentrates very much on the physical and not the psychological.

    have had success doing some 'paced' gardening while the weather 's been good.  

    Thanks again.

  • Unfortunately not although I have read about them online.  Thanks