DCIS and energy levels

Suz39

Hi there,

I was diagnosed with DCIS in my left breast in early March, and found this website in mid March.  Reading the information, and personal stories of other people going through the same thing has helped me immensely!  Thank you so much. I really feel that if I hadn't of found this site, my decisions for treatment would have been much different, and my anxiety level would have been much higher - and I can't even imagine that.

 I am wondering if anybody has experienced an increase in their overall energy level after recovering fully from treatment?  I have two young children, and have always attributed my general feeling of fatigue to the energy it takes to be a mom.  Now I am wondering if it can be partially, maybe??, attributed to the DCIS.  Maybe I am hoping for a silver lining, in that I will have more energy after having those nasty replicating cells removed from my body.

 Your thoughts and input are much appreciated! 

lovesnature

Well I did have a big boost of energy after my BMX. In fact I painted every room in my house, with tissue expanders, and all by myself.  I also have experienced a big boost of creativity! Maybe it has to do with not wasting time. You never know what can happen tomorrow!

Right now I'm chomping at the bit, recovering from my exchange surgery. Heal already boobs, I've got projects!!!!

Deirdre1

I also had a boost immediately after my BMX (with immediate reconstruction) but be careful with it because where I went after that was complete depression..  But even through the depression I see things differently now - I'm alive and every experience, every feature, every person I see as "new"... "fresh" I guess... like I have a second chance!  The experience of seeing things as new helped me get past the depression (that and a good ps <grin>).  I had my surgeries 4 years ago...Good luck and I hope you do get that burst of energy and that it is continual without the fall...Best, Deirdre

sweatyspice

Just before I was diagnosed I learned that my Vit D levels were really low.  I've been taking supplements, and apparently I don't absorb Vit D well so I'm still trying to find how MUCH I need to supplement - but I think raising my Vit D levels has given me more energy. 

Since Vit D deficiency supposedly correlates with BC, if you haven't already done so, consider asking your Dr. to check your Vit D level!

Suz39

Hi again,

Thanks for the feedback!  I'm going to take a vitamin D right now!  Somebody told me that vitamin D is also good for depression in the winter time, so I have been taking it on and off this past winter.  Now that the sun is out, hopefully I can get some that way too.

I'm struggling.  Some days the fresh eyes are good, and other days I resent them.  It is very helpful to read about how other people have navigated through all this.

Thanks again! 

AmyD

I, too, began taking Vitamin D supplements, just because of the overall "breast health and bone health" about 6 months after my mastectomy (for DCIS).  I happened to be really tired, which isn't like me.  About a month after taking a supplement, it occurred to me that I wasn't feeling so tired and "draggy" anymore.  In trying to figure out my renewed energy, the only thing different for me was taking Vit. D. supplement.  Perhaps it is all smoke and mirrors, but I'm still taking it in safe amounts----can't hurt.

LindaKR

After my mastectomy, and before they started chemo, etc...  I felt better than I had in a long time, other than the surgical pain.  I had more energy and just felt better altogether.  I wondered if the cancer had been dragging me down for a long time. 

jadeblue

I felt great after my lumpectomy, but I think it was more psychological relief to have it over with and have the cancer out than any physical change. I say this because one week later I found out that they didn't get it all and I went back to feeling not so good. Not sure where you're at in your treatment, but it's definitely a rollercoaster ride with lots of ups and downs. Hang on tight, and remember that you caught it early and have an excellent prognosis. Good luck!

Suz39

Thanks jadeblue.  It is a rollercoaster for sure!!  I will have a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction sometime in June.  The MRI showed multi-focal disease, and I have small breasts, so it is all being removed.