Why am I more tired than I was during treatment?

akinto

Why am I more tired than I was during treatment?

akinto

The last three or four days have been tough. I have done a face plant after lunch all weekend. I have to go to work tomorrow, and napping isn't part of the job!

I breezed through surgery and radiation, as much as that is possible.

The big change for me is tamoxifen, which I started last Wednesday. Fatigue is not listed as one of its side effects.

I am exercising, drinking ginseng tea, taking omega 3 fish oil pills, eating lots of veggies and fruits, sleeping 7 hours a night.

Anyone have ideas?Thanks!

Moderators

akinto, until more members post with their own experiences, the section on Fatigue at the main Breastcancer.org site may give you some useful info, starting with the article on Possible Causes of Fatigue (where, unfortunately, hormonal therapies including tamoxifen are mentioned). There's also an article there about managing fatigue - look at the links at the top left of the page.

Best wishes as you head back to work!

• The Mods

Ruth2011

I have been on the Tamoxifen for a year and also feel that my energy and strength isn't the same as before. I'm not sure it's worth it. I don't read a lot about fatigue but have experienced it and keep hoping it goes away, but I am beginning to doubt it. I am investigating quitting the drug and feeling stronger. Has anyone stopped taking the T and felt better after??

changes

I have had problems with fatigue since starting Tamoxifen over 2 years ago. I have taken some breaks from it (one for a few weeks due to gynecological issues) and I felt quite a bit better when I was off of it. My fear of recurrence won out over side effects, however, and I went back on it. On the bright side, I used to have chronic insomnia, but not anymore!

Karen

akinto

I am taking melatonin to deal with the insomnia that started a few weeks into my tamoxifen. Oh well....