Still fatigued after 3 years

wakemeup

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. I started chemotherapy 3 years ago this month and stopped it January 2018. The reason I stopped it is because I couldn't handle the treatments anymore. I changed to different oncologist and was told I was overdosed with the wrong Chemotherapeutic agents. I received another opinion from a different oncologist and was told the same thing. My concern is I am fatigued quite often. Usually several times a week I spend the majority of the day napping. My oncologist states that I shouldn't feel this tired. But I do. Has anyone gone through this? I have had all kinds of blood work done to make sure my levels are normal and they are. I am 65 years old and feel I am too young to feel this tired. I will take anyone's suggestions.

Wakemeup

MinusTwo

wake - you should insist that your docs do more testing & get to the bottom of this. Maybe some vitamins? Maybe an anti-depressant?

That said, the biggest thing I've done to combat fatigue is to move. It doesn't have to be strenuous. you can start by just walking around your block. Swim, garden, join Silver Sneakers for stretching, do chair yoga for balance & stress - just MOVE. Strangely enough it sounds counter intuitive, but it has worked for so many of us. Good luck

ruthbru

I second Minus's suggestion. The best way to combat fatigue IS to move. As she said, start slow, but make a plan and do a little more every day. Do things to increase your fitness level (walk, swim, dance, bike are some examples), some things to increase your strength (light weights, pilates, Barre are some examples and either can be done in a class, with a personal trainer, with a DVD, there are online workouts), Yoga & Tai Chi are good for balance and dealing with stress (also can be through a class, DVD or online). I like walking with a friend or friends and going to classes best (because of the social aspect), so if you feel it is safe (with Covid) to find some real life workout friends, that can be helpful to keep you going. If not, there are online exercise groups (my Yoga teacher is only doing Zoom classes at present). On the fitness forum here, there is a Let's Post Our Daily Exercise thread that is a good group of ladies to check in with.