How long did you feel fatigued post radiation?

Faith1111

Hello everyone. My question is how long did your fatigue last? I am so tired all the time. I feel like all I want to do is sit on the couch. When I’m in public I’m okay but if I’m home all I want to do is sleep or sit for hours on the couch. I keep putting off housework because I feel so sleepy. I had my lumpectomy June 26th of 2019 and finished 5 weeks of radiation September 9th. No chemo and no hormonal medication. I am taking Trental 3 times a day to hopefully prevent capsular contracture.

I’m trying to figure out if this is because of the radiation and meds or if this is depression. I do have a tendency toward light depression but I can’t seem to snap myself out of this lethargy.

It’s been over 3 months since last round of radiation. Should I be feeling better by now?

I want so much to have energy again.

MountainMia

I finished radiation in September, also. I felt pretty well in October and early November. Then I had reduction surgery, a family trip for Thanksgiving, family issues (exhausting!), a terrible 2-week cold, family for Christmas (super-duper-exhausting!!!), another cold, a fall and concussion... And here we are. I'm pretty damn tired.

I was reading about fatigue the other day. There can be a variety of issues that cause it, including your treatment and depression. Another cause of fatigue, surprisingly, is lack of activity. Since you feel okay when you're out, you could try an experiment for a couple of weeks. Make sure you get out every day for some physical activity and exposure to real people. That might mean simply walking once or twice around the mall or the Walmart, where there is light (brighter than at home) and also other humans. And you get your blood moving. If you don't start feeling a little better after a couple of weeks, you might need to look for other answers.

When do you have follow-ups with your doctors? It's always worth asking if there is some help for what you're feeling. It might be physical help, medication for depression, some talk therapy ... If you're concerned, it's worth finding out more.

Best to you.

LaughingGull

I didn't notice any fatigue during or after radiation. I was told by the RO to expect like a month of fatigue. Fatigue three months after finishing radiation, without chemo, without hormonal treatment sounds a bit long. If I were you, I would check with the doctor, including screening for depression. How have you handled light depression before?

Can you try light exercise? Exercise never fails to bring my energy back -physically and mentally.

Best wishes for recovering your energy soon!

TB90

Faith: I never experienced fatigue with radiation, but I know many do. Not certain of your diagnosis. I think it matters. Not all radiation treatment is the same. Allow your body to heal physically and emotionally. Depression may be a factor. You are in early stages still. I breezed through treatment determined to get back to normal right away. I accomplished exactly that only to crash two years later with a severe depression. We all cope differently. Don’t stress too much. The fact that you are fine in public does suggest depression, but a fairly mild one. Try to set small goals each day, stay as active as you can and keep yourself distracted by being social and connected. But crashing a bit at home on the couch is also ok. Do not create more stress by worrying about your completely normal reaction to all you have been through. Accept your physical and emotional response and keep on caring for yourself and moving forward. If your symptoms worsen, seek professional help. You are not alone.

Faith1111

Thank you. I’ve handled it in the past by being busy every day. I’m retired now so have a lot of down time. Maybe that’s it. Exercise helps if I can actually talk myself into doing it. Well that helps me narrow things down.

gb2115

I had fatigue during radiation, but it went away pretty quickly. I agree with trying some exercise if able, make sure you are sleeping well at night to prevent daytime sleepiness. If you are actually drowsy during the day, maybe talk about it with your doctor.

Star111

hi faith111 I’m still exhausted and I had my radiation from mid July 2019 to-late August 2019. My radiation has caused a lot of problems. I’m only just starting to bounce back now. I got low white blood cell count (neutropenia) from the radiation. I also have extreme fatigue. I’m not back to work full time yet. I’m only 10-15 hours a week and that exhausts me. I am in an aqua fit class though to try regaining my strength in my arm and breast region. I received lymphedema from my radiation. It is finally improving but took a long time. The slow swimming is helping me a lot. Try lane swimming very slow (not the front crawl or back crawl) but the breast stroke or dog paddle. This is what’s helping me. Also treading water as well helps. I’m thinking about you. Message me at any time! Sincerely Star

edj3

I finished radiation at the end of June 2019. I'm also very physically active and ran throughout radiation. That's because I realized that I was going to be fatigued if I didn't run, so I thought I might as well stay active.

The post-radiation fatigue took a long time to go away--like the full six months of the four to six months my RO mentioned as being possible. I didn't expect that because I am so active, but that's what I experienced.

If you tend toward depression already, I urge you to go for daily walks. That's going to be so helpful w/ the depression, and will also get you in better physical condition. My mother also suffers from depression and (anecdotal evidence to be sure) when she's getting daily walks, she's in a much better mental place.

santabarbarian

it took about 6 months before I had my normal energy back.

Faith1111

thank you

Faith1111

thank you, I agree with you on the cardio suggestion. I’m amazed you were able to run during radiation. I would have thought the friction from the movement would have been irritating to your radiated breast. I had to wear a very loose fitting medical bra for a couple of weeks after.

Faith1111

thank you Star you’re so sweet. My white blood cells were low too last time they checked.