How long did tiredness last? Anything help?

TwinsMama

I just finished my 20th and last Rad Treatment on June 19th. I had to stop working a little past mid-way in my Tx as my fatigue was getting to me as I was working part-time, then commuting home more than an hour, then going to daily treatment. I had help at home with 2 13-yr olds, hubby & Mom who was taking care of the cooking. I stayed home to finish up my treatments and then a couple of weeks extra. I'm glad I did because of the unfortunate Radiation Burn I had all over the breast. The fatigue was throughout, but I felt it increased 2 weeks after my last treatment. I'm back at work now full-time, healed from Burns, but Wow, I get so sleepy. I am sleeping 8+ hours at night, sometimes 45 minutes on Rail coming to work. I have added Vegan Protein to my Organic Greens/Berries Daily shake in the morning and still have been eating well throughout day, but I've gone back to drinking coffee again just to help me stay awake at work. It's a quiet office, busy at my desk, but quiet - so that does not help!! I also take vitamin supplements, including Iron as well. It's so draining, hoping this doesn't last much longer. I'm not sure if Tamoxifen is adding to the fatigue? I've been taking it for 1 week now and perhaps my body is adjusting to it too?! Ugh. Of course the intermittent sudden pangs of pain in the Radiated Breast are gentle reminders that this is not over yet! Healing outside maybe but inside is still healing! Sorry, I feel like I'm just complaining, complaining, but it's important to let others know they are not the only ones going through this craziness. Support is CRUCIAL! I know not everyone has it at home, so please communicate your feelings, so important for your mental health throughout these experiences.

Gemini_girl

Thamk you twinsmama! I had my last (25th) treatment last Monday and have been working full time. I am absolutely wiped out and cannot muster the energy to do the things I need to do. I thought if I caught up on my rest this weekend, I would feel better. Not! Wondering if I need iron? Or just time?

CeliaC

Those "zingers" (as many of us call the intermittent sudden pangs of pain) will likely continue for awhile and are a recognized post rad issue. I worked throughout 20 rads, but only about 6 hrs a day. Fatigue lingered for quite awhile. Was told by RO and others on my "team" it's normal, part of the healing process. My MO always tests for iron (am on arimidex). Whichever is your next Dr appt - make sure to discuss the fatigue & see if they can rule out iron deficiency. Gentle hugs to all.

canadaliz

Hi All, I'm a little late to the game but may have some input that could help. I finished my last rad of 24 June 20, 2018 and still feel tired some days. Tired to the point of falling asleep in the chair, when visiting a friend, on the bench at the dog park....yup, when it hits I'm gone. I am six months out and certainly not back to myself. I mentioned it to my family doctor and she said 'let's check your vitamin D level." WELL, turns out I am critically low. As in at risk of osteoporosis and....wait for it.....RICKETS!!! (what am I--a deck hand on a wooden ship bound for the new world?? What will it be next? Scurvy??? Anyway, my dear doctor has me supplemented on 2000mg of prescription D until I am back up where I should be. Low vitamin D can cause or exacerbate fatigue, cause insomnia, depression, hair loss....the list goes on. I have all but depression. I asked how it could have happened. Well, I was diagnosed in Jan, surgery in March, Rads April-June and they said stay out of the sun......so I did. I have pretty much been indoors for the sun season. Here in the northern hemisphere there are only about 40 days that we can create vitamin D from the sun....I was otherwise occupied this year. I am already feeling much better and it has only been a few weeks with supplementation.

Cheers, Canada Liz