Advice for extreme fatigue with rads

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nicole031
nicole031 Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

So I am only 4 days into my 6 week radiation treatment regimen (post lumpectomy) and I am not sure I am going to be able to physically make it in every day.  I have a couple of other chronic illnesses from before the cancer diagnosis that come with a lot of fatigue.  They have left me already unable to work and care for my 2 year old full time.  I am having a follow-up with my radiation oncologist tomorrow, but was wondering if anyone has ever gone mid-way through treatment and needed a change in course...what do they do in cases like this?  Both my rad onco and I knew this would be hard, so I began exercising, diet changes, sleep changes, etc. in preparation; but it may not be enough to increase my stamina.  

Thanks in advance for any similar stories you are willing to share. 

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  • Shirlann
    Shirlann Member Posts: 3,302
    edited September 2011

    Well, I was 63  (13) years ago when I had rads.  If I made sure to go straight home and VEGETATE the rest of the evening, I woke up fine in the morning,  The days this did not happen, I was an exhausted mess.  Hoe this helps. 

    Gentle hugs, Shirlann 

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  • FireKracker
    FireKracker Member Posts: 8,046
    edited September 2011
    I was 70 yrs old when I did the rads. Yes it was hard but you just have to do it.I did the exercises every day even when i was beyond exhausted but i did it and SO CAN YOU. as the sistas say YOU WONT LIKE IT BUT ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SHOW UP. We are here for you...to hold your hand....just breathe and reach out to us....easy does it....Prayin that it gets easier as the time goes by.hugggggggs K
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  • jamaker
    jamaker Member Posts: 10
    edited September 2011

    What exercises?  Today was my first day of radiation and I don't know what to do.  The only thing they told me is to apply Boiron calendula three times a day.  What else should I know?

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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited September 2011

    jamaker,

    Ah. Excersise of any kind is good during radiation [and would have been good during chemo if you had it.] I walked. My supermarket was exactly 1/2 mile of walking if I did every single aisle [cutting out the cleaning supply one. yuck did that one smell.] And I would walk the aisles twice.

    I chose a supermarket since the aisles were wide, the floor was even, and it was wintertime here so ice, snow and cold were an impediment to moving around.

    If you can do this daily, you will retain your energy levels for longer. It isn't perfect of course. I still napped. But I am convinced that it made a difference for me.

    Good luck!

    *susan* 

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  • FireKracker
    FireKracker Member Posts: 8,046
    edited September 2011
    even gentle stretching at the very begining of the rads is very helpful....any kind of movement that doesnt make you too tired....just try it....if your body is way out of shape take it real real slow but ya gotta move...and ya gotta rest when you are tired and ya gotta sleep when you feel the need to.follow your instincts.....it wont fail you....just remember movement is the key to life and sleeping is healing.Ya gotta do both at YOUR own pace.good luck and God bless you....hugggggs K
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