Is it normal to be exhausted BEFORE treatment even begins?

smiley51

I received the initial results of my breast biopsy last night. All I know so far is IDC grade 1. They are still running additional tests which we will get when we meet with the breast surgeon on Tuesday. I had to wait a week for my biopsy appt, which was a time of high anxiety. Got the results within 24 hours. Now I am completely exhausted, which is not like me at all! Is it normal to be so tired before treatments? My son had cancer and I know treatments cause a different kind of fatigue. I did not have any symptoms and my cancer was found through my mammogram. Looking back I think I remember saying to my husband "I don't know why I'm so tired" off and on in the last couple of months, but nothing like this. Or could this be just a let-down of all the stress now that we finally know that I do have cancer?

etnasgrl

Yes, I think it's normal. You have been dealing with a VERY stressful situation!

((((Hugs)))) I had a very similar diagnosis. Grade One is a good sign, it means that it was caught fairly early. I'm so sorry that you have found yourself in this situation, but I promise you that it DOES get better. I know that sounds crazy right now, but it's true.
Once you learn everything about your cancer and have a treatment plan in place, you will start to feel better, more in control. The important thing to remember is that you WILL get through this! It may not be easy, but just keep putting one foot in front of the other and come here for support. The girls here are wonderful and it helps so much to talk with other women who understand how you feel and what you're going through. It's a sisterhood, that's for sure!

Anyway, be gentle with yourself. If you're tired, rest. Do things that you enjoy.....read, watch a funny movie, enjoy a meal with friends....whatever will give you pleasure. I had a very good friend of mine give me an adult coloring book when I was in active treatment and it has helped SO much to reduce my stress. It gave me something to focus on and it was very relaxing. Maybe you can try that?
If you need/want someone to talk to, who has a similar diagnosis and has already gone through all that you will go through, please feel free to message me.

cookiegal

I think it is totally normal. It's exhausting. I doubt it's the cancer, but the stress.

If I could go back in time I wish I had been more "in the moment", I did some fun things but could have enjoyed life more and stressed less.

Kicks

I was not at all ' exhausted' between DX and starting TX (17 days). If anything I probably did more 'stuff'. During neoadjuvant A/C - was not 'slowed down' at all. Adjuvant Taxol was not nice - I was completely and UTTERLY exhausted. Perhaps my SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) may have played into that even though I used my Liight Box and took mega D (have to - was not something new).

Ask your Dr about getting D level checked. It is not something usually done in blood work and it is quite common for D to be low (which effects so much).

Suchick

I am exhausted too and I think it must be from the stress of not knowing exactly what my treatment plan will be. Still waiting for Oncotype DX results to hopefully determine if I need chemo or not...it's so hard to play the waiting game. I just try and rest when I can and do enjoyable things to pass the time. Good luck!!

Nextyear

I've just been diagnosed. I had uterine cancer in the fall. Was given a clean bill of health in January. Had my normal mammogram. It was not so normal. I amnow working with Drs again to determine the plan for my breasts. And I'm just super fatigued. I don't know how to keep up the positive face. Any suggestions for remotivating myself to go to work, put a smile on my face, and just deal? I'm exercising daily, eating healthy, trying to focus on others rather than myself. I'm letting go of the control I initially wanted and listening to dr suggestions. But, I feel so wiped.

Suggestions for getting positive again?

LisaAlissa

Hi Nextyear!

You could try some of the mindfulness meditation practices. You'll find some free guided ones at UCLA's MARC (Mindful Awareness Research Center) site "here." They've done/are doing research on how practicing mindful awareness affects breast cancer survivors. There is some research that it can have a positive effect.

And even if it doesn't, I discovered that (over time) it definitely helped my mood, energy levels & sleep patterns!

Whatever you do, I hope you feel better very soon!

LisaAlissa

Nextyear

thank you lisa

JoniB

I'm right there with you. I am waiting for my surgery next week and am totally exhausted. I keep worryng that I feel that way because the cancer has spread. I too felt tired before I was diagnosed but never thought it was cancer. However I am more tired now and hoping that it is just stress, lack of sleep, and worrying about the unknown.

MesaMom76

i got my positive biopsy results February 8, then had to wait for MRI and results. I just got my pathology and treatment plan today. I too am super exhausted and feeling a bit depressed. I have gained weight from comfort eating. Trying to stay positive but I am angry!

Kaneli

Hi Smiley51! I used to live in Roswell too! I was in East Cobb for about 20 years and moved to Roswell (for about 3 years) after my kids were out of the house. I'm in the Clearwater area now, but still have a million friends (and my daughter) in the Atlanta area. Anyway, I was just diagnosed with Tubular Carcinoma on Feb 10. My surgery is March 22, and I am also exhausted! I think the anxiety, the fear and the not knowing are huge drains on our energy. I am sure it does get better, after we become more used to this new life that has been thrust upon us.. It sucks though....But I appreciate Etnasgirl's encouragement, and I think it's right to rest when we need to, treat ourselves to light moments when we can, and Etnagirl mentioned the adult coloring book. Not sure I'll do that, but I did buy a puzzle last week. I think I may just open that up tonight and start my puzzle! Something to focus on during this seeming interminable waiting period. Good luck to you. Stay strong.

jenn32214

phew. Glad its not just me. Ever since I had the biopsy (which unfortunately came back positive) I either have trouble sleeping (like tonight) or literally fall into bed exhausted. If I didn't know better I would think I'd developed narcolepsy

Owens69

Prior to my cancer being discovered, I would have several days a week where I was utterly exhausted. I wanted to come home from work and just fall into bed. Some days driving home was difficult because I was so tired. This is my own theory, but... our bodies (immune system) works extra hard when something is there that doesn't belong. This is one reason why we feel tired or run-down when we get a cold. I just assume that my tiredness was because my body was trying to fight the cancer cells. It's my theory and I'm stickin' to it! :-)