Fatigue

It does take time to recover from major surgery.  I found that I bounced back much faster from my UMX in June than I did from the nipple construction/revision/lift on natural side surgery in November.  That was two big surgeries in less than six months.  Plus, I started taking Tamoxifen in July and that can cause fatigue as well.  And I, like you, had to give up my HRT.  All of that adds up and our bodies just need some time to regain strength and stamina.  In  my case, acupuncture is helping to get my energy level back up to where I can at least get through the day without hitting that wall about 3:00 o'clock.  And with a little more energy, I am trying to get more exercise which helps as well.   I don't sleep well either...night sweats.  I am using melatonin and it helps.  Just try to be patient with your body and don't push too hard.  Take care of yourself and rest when you can.

Hi Susan and welcome to BCO!

Fatigue is a very normal side effect of breast cancer and its treatment. You can get some really great tips on fatigue and how to manage it on the main Breastcancer.org site at the following links:

• Fatigue as a side effect of breast cancer and its treatment
• Managing Fatigue section with info on causes, more tips to help manage, and ask-the-expert conference transcripts

Also, we know it can be overwhelming, joining discussion boards and chat rooms for the first time. For all the ins and outs of how the boards work, check out our Welcome section in the discussion boards (the first area of forums on the main discussion board home page). You can access it here.

Hope this helps!

--Your Mods

Hey Susan. Sorry you are struggling with fatigue, but YES its been a huge problem for me. Even now over a year out, I still have days where I just have to give in to it. I've found that pushing too hard makes any pain worse, so as frustrating as is, I sit down, have a nap, whatever until it passes. It might also be worth speaking to your doc, I had lots of blood tests etc. The bloods showed my liver enzymes to be ridiculously high and my medical team then monitored everything til they started to normalise.



It sounds like you have a very active life too. Aren't we always a lot harder on ourselves than we would be other people? :-)



Big gentle hugs xxx

I had two lumpectomies and have had occasional fatigue  plus I have a very stressful job. I'm about to start 6 weeks of radiation and hear that can cause fatigue. Any thoughts? Also does anyone have any experience or info on taking CoQ10 to help fight fatigue and boost energy?

I will say that about a month post-op, I started walking again and doing 30 mins of Yoga most mornings. I think that has helped me feel better mentally and physically and not feel so stiff and achy. I hope I can keep that up during the radiation. its going to be interesting juggling work and this, but I keep telling myself in Mid-april it will be done.

thanks much BK

I've only had a lumpectomy (Feb 13) but I have really been dragging. Not much energy lately, but thinking it might be just "emotional" fatigue.

I think hillck is right, it does seem to help to get some moderate exercise. You need time to recharge your batteries so take care of yourself, Susan.