extremely fatigued since diagnosis 10 days ago

no reason why you should not feel bushed, I am sure I did.  Everything comes at you like a punch in the gut from a boxer!  rest as much as you can, best of luck in getting your team together, that is important and I do consider the boards here to be part of my team!  even after 6 years I still need some support!

now go take a nice walk, or go get an ice cream? or something relaxing

Hi Casey, I'm in the same boat as you. Since this started I've not only been fatigued but I hurt all over. I too tend to hide my emotions so I definitely think they are becoming physical because of it. I don't have any tips, just wanted you to know I'm with you. Some days I feel so strong and ready to fight and others I feel so drained and defeated. I wish I could shut my brain down! From what I hear, it actually gets better when treatments start because you have a plan and you are finally taking action. Sending hugs and support......

See a Counselor/Dr who is experienced with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).  There are so many 'ideas' as to what it is. It is not just from battlefield situtations but can come from any traumatic experience.    A DX of BC falls into that realm - for you but also for your Husband.

In some ways/with some Hubbys, our DX can be harder on them.  We can(and will be) fighting but they can't fight.  It was a LOT harder on my Hubby ( of 33 yrs at the time) as he had lost his Mom at 9 to Cervical Cancer.  Seek help with dealing with your DX, not just for yourself but for your loved ones also.

Welcome to BCO where you've already found a very supportive group who understand what you are going through. This type of support is so advantageous with going through the process and the horrible waiting for results. The stress of this would make most people tired, so as the members above have stated, it is normal.

We hope that further testing shows your lump to be benign, but it all takes time and everyone is with you.

All the best, The Mods

Casey - I hope your diag goes well!  I'm through the hard part of my chemo and starting radiation this week.  Looking back, I struggled through the beginning of the process for me.  I'm a contractor (own my own business) and was in the middle of someone's bathroom remodel when I was diagnosed.  I had a hard time keeping stuff straight in my head, made mistakes (thank goodness, all correctable) and was going squirrelly.  I wanted answers faster than they were coming and was going crazy trying to get jobs wrapped up so I could begin my process of healing.  The hardest thing I've had to manage is giving myself a break - feeling physically drained and mentally scattered.

Take lots of notes.  Ask lots of questions.  Read the blogs patients have posted on this site - there are a lot of people that post research findings for your diagnosis - I found that helpful when talking to the oncologist (we compared notes on protocol and reasons why).  Then, succumb to the nap - you're going to need it.  When you're awake, go for a walk or whatever you can manage.  I'll be thinking of you and wishing the best! 

Hi Casey--I was just diagnosed last Thursday and since this whole ordeal began 10 days ago my brain is like scrambled eggs and I feel utterly numb and exhausted all the time. I think the mental and emotional wear and tear in the beginning would wear anyone out. I just found out last night I will be having a double mastectomy & lat flap as I will lose my left nipple due to the location of the cancer; and then reconstructive surgery and all this will happen in the next 2 week. Will test 1 lymph node under each arm pit during surgery and if they are positive they will take the cluster if not leave them be. Surgery outcome will dictate treatment  however I must say; Chemo scares the heck out of me!

This is a wonderful site for Facts, Experiences, Support and Comfort....I know I have a long road ahead of me.

Hi Casey, 

I am sorry to hear you will need chemo; please keep me posted as you will be in my thoughts and prayers.  I will feel the same way if I am told I need chemo, this it a tough road we are on however I am positive we will both come out stronger on the other end!! 

I have had my melt downs and my moments; I talk to God allot; and I am surrounded by amazing supportive friends and family and a boyfriend that should be given a medal or something! 

We are going over to tell my Dad in person tonight now that I have more details; he lost his mother/my grandmother who was my hero, to BC 30 years ago so this will affect him harder I feel. I want him to see in my eyes that I Know I will be OK and survive this. It's gonna suck at times; however it definitely shines a new light and perspective on life, doesn't it?

You'll be in my thoughts & prayers! Positive vibes your way!! 

It makes perfect sense to me.  I've been prone to really severe migraines.  I didn't see much of a pattern, but one pattern I recognized was that I often (but not always) got them after a stressor ended.  After a big test-migraine.  End of difficult workday-migraine.  Once I'd completed some big task-migraine.  I think we spend so much energy avoiding trouble that, once we can let our guard down, we actually start breathing again (sometimes we literally hold our breath) and it takes awhile to recoup.  I was stoic all through my diagnosis, and then, wham - "it" hit me at an odd time (a few weeks after surgery, I think it was).  I'd dealt with all the hard part without showing emotions (without "breathing") and it had to catch up with me.  My daughter also happened to captain a Relay-for-Life team at her school just two weeks after surgery.  I'd had a mastectomy but I was there, with just my sister to help (my daughter was in 7th grade).  I hauled in tents and canopies and food and sleeping gear and set our camp up with tables and coolers.  I did food runs.  I did a bit of walking in the wee hours when all the girls and my sister were asleep (I was the only one to stay up all night). I tore it all down again the next day, packed up the car, took my daughter and myself home.  I thought I felt fine.  Not even too tired. But then, when I knew I was home and could collapse, I immediately started vomiting until I fell asleep for about 10 hours, woken only to vomit again.  We "go" on adrenaline as long as we can because we have no other choice.  You will constantly see people on this site agree that the waiting is the hardest part. Once that is over, the adrenaline can stop, and your body gets confused.  Fatigue?  Meh, is not really something to worry about.  Make friends with it now.

Best to ya!!!