Fatigue--post-treatment

MCBaker

I am no longer undergoing active treatment for the BC. I am having sleep problems. It could be because I have had sleep problems for many years, or because I am a few days from turning 70, or it could be because of the chemo and Herceptin and surgeries. Does anyone else experience this? I have problems with sciatica after going to the gym, and I don't think my gym routine is that demanding.

MinusTwo

MC - you might want to check into this thread below. Personally I have an Rx for Sonata when I know I have to be in top form the next day (like catching an airplane), but I only use it a few times a year. Often I just read until I can sleep. Sometimes that means 3am. Note - real books, not a computer or a phone. What has helped most is a Chair Yoga class I started last year. Learning to breathe correctly and to let go has allowed me to fall asleep 9x out of 10.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topics/...

Spookiesmom

Could be something else is going on, not what you wanted to hear, I know. Probably be a good idea to check in with PCP.

MountainMia

Fatigue can be caused by cancer and by treatment. Recovery can take an astonishingly long time. Your body needs time to heal, and it might not be done yet. Another possible cause is depression. If you have other symptoms of depression, it would be good to address that. AND another cause of fatigue is inactivity. If your gym routine isn't very demanding, maybe it's time to step it up. Go more often, work harder, do more, get out of your home more often to walk, and to interact with other people. The other day I suggested to someone to do a 2 week experiment. Every day for 2 weeks go out somewhere to walk. Could be to go outside, or to the mall or the nearest Walmart. Somewhere it is brighter light than your home, and there are other people around. If after 2 weeks, you don't feel better, then check into other possible causes and solutions.

Good luck. And happy birthday!

MCBaker

I can't get in to see PCP for a long time. They have another who is on standby for such situations. He does excellent file review. I have an appointment with him this afternoon. I was just wondering if poor sleep in general is a result of chemo and everything. Thanks for the link to that thread, I made a quick look and didn't think there was anything going on about that subject. Hormonal is not part of the situation for me, since I am post-menopausal and have already gone through that roller-coaster. So probably is something else, like maybe my new Fit-Bit is making me aware of a longer-standing problem.

Cowgirl13

MCBaker, you are really only about a year out and that is a very short time. It took me quite a while and I was 63 when I started treatment (I am almost 74 now). Contrary to what most people post, I don't think herceptin is a walk in the park. Thankfully I have not had a problem with sleeping as I have been taking trazadone for a long time. Its an old 'work horse' and it is not addicting.

MCBaker

I went to the doctor, I got my muscle relaxant Rx refilled. Will schedule PT and a sleep study. Yes, it definitely has gotten worse, although not a sudden crash into fatigue and weakness, like some episodes in the past. I am afraid ATM of that happening now, when I have so many things to do.

WC3

MCBaker:

I was 38 when I had chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy. I became severely anemic during chemotherapy and it took me over 6 months to really recover. I became anemic again after my exchange surgery. My CBCs eventually started to normalize and I started feeling a lot better now I'm a little anemic again and feeling it.