Fatigue after completion of radiation therapy

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nelnan0
nelnan0 Member Posts: 9
edited September 2019 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hello,

This may have been covered earlier, but I'm just joining the forum.

I took 16 radiation treatments in June after a lumpectomy for a very small tumor in the right breast. The treatments went well, pretty much without incident. I used the recommended cream for itching and burning, and that's gone now, for the most part.

I can't seem to shake a chronic fatigue. I'm a highly energetic, productive person, and it's hard for me to get to work on projects.

How long does it take for this fatigue to lesson? Or is there some other issue to be worried about?

Thank you.

p.s. I'm also on femera for blockage of estrogen as well as prolia shots every 6 months to strengthen my bones.


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  • edj3
    edj3 Member Posts: 2,076
    edited September 2019

    My RO said the fatigue can take four to six months to go away. I'm not quite three months out myself and still experience it.

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  • nelnan0
    nelnan0 Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2019

    Thank you edj3. I'm encouraged. It's very discouraging.

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  • edj3
    edj3 Member Posts: 2,076
    edited September 2019

    It is. And it's not "I'm tired and need a nap" or "I'm tired from working out"--it's more like I'm just out of gas.

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  • nelnan0
    nelnan0 Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2019

    yes I'm definitely feeling out of gas!! Hoping to get energy soon.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited September 2019

    Welcome, nelnan0! We're so glad your radiation treatment went well, but we're sorry you're still struggling with some of the aftereffects! Hopefully it starts to get better soon!

    The Mods

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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited September 2019

    I never had a whole lot of fatigue with rads--maybe 2-3 days each time--but I can tell you an AI will take a little bit of your energy.

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  • nelnan0
    nelnan0 Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2019

    Thanks, Ingerp.

    I don't know the acronymns yet, so what is "Al"?

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  • nelnan0
    nelnan0 Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2019

    To the Mods: Thanks for the welcome! My issue is whether this fatigue is symptomatic of something else. Trying to be a "holistic" healthy person.

    I appreciate this forum.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2019

    nelnan0, AI is aromatase inhibitors.

    Sometimes I go a little bonkers reading all of the abbreviations in posts, but you can look them up by clicking on the "Help with Abbreviations" button found in the left column of most pages.

    image

    I usually right-click the button and open the abbreviations page in a "new window." That way the abbreviations are available as I read posts, some which contain many abbreviations.

    After each radiation treatment (13) I was fatigued...not just tired but had a fatigue I never experienced. I would take a nap every day and sleep until I woke up. About 2-3 weeks after treatments ended, the fatigue stopped. Hope yours ends soon.


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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited September 2019

    Thanks viewfinder!

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  • edj3
    edj3 Member Posts: 2,076
    edited September 2019

    Also keep in mind that the length and duration of any side effects will vary. I personally didn't have a lot of problems with my skin, just the normal redness and a bit of a rash. But I do have the fatigue, which is exasperating since I work out a ton. And I am beginning to suspect I have radiation induced fibrosis because the the pain/tightness with my pec and left arm.

    So there's that--not all side effects affect all people and for sure the range of expected side effects is pretty broad.

    Edited to add that I still cannot do a proper down dog post-rads. The spirit is beyond willing, the pec and armpit say oh hell no. And when I've done it anyway (because I am stubborn and not great at paying attention to my body's signals), I'm in pain 24x7 for several days.

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  • nelnan0
    nelnan0 Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2019

    Thank you, viewfinder!

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  • nelnan0
    nelnan0 Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2019

    edj3, so sorry for the lasting issue with your arm. I guess I'm fortunate that I can do the full down dog, but this fatigue is driving me nut.

    However, comforting to know I'm not alone. Best to you.

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  • santabarbarian
    santabarbarian Member Posts: 3,085
    edited September 2019

    edj3 - There is a drug called pentoxifylline that is preventative for fibrosis - ask your RO about it. I am on it. You have to stay on it for quite a while (6 mos +).... no SEs for me other than a little dizzy spell the first week I took it. Now i don't notice it.

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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited September 2019

    edj3--do not push it! I thought it was interesting that yoga was the *last* thing my BS cleared me to do after surgery. That whole armpit area is so close to the breast that has been traumatized. Please take it gently--the range of motion will come. You know a lying-down twist, where you have the opposite arm extended and are looking that direction? When I started back with yoga, my shoulder on the surgery side could not reach the ground. After a few months, it was working just like the other side. Be gentle with your down dogs. Re-injuring yourself will definitely slow your recovery down.

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited September 2019

    It can last a month or more. If you’re tired, have a nap. Even if you don’t actually sleep, the resting helps. Your body has been through a lot, needs to heal. Even if the brain is willing to go, body says no. Listen to it.

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  • nelnan0
    nelnan0 Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2019

    Thank you, Spookiesmom. I'll remember this good advice.

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited September 2019

    I think there are 2 stages to the fatigue:

    1. A period immediately following radiation which in my case was about 3 weeks. It helps to stay as active as possible so that you get real, productive sleep. Mine ended with a bicycle ride where we stopped at a bakery for a latte and lavender-chocolate macaroons. I still credit the macaroons, because at that moment, my energy turned around and continued to increase after that.
    2. A longer period of about six months. Again, I noted a sudden spurt of energy but this could have been due to the extremely foul weather where I had to book it while cycling it to keep my core warm. We fought for space in front of the fire at the brewery when we got back.
    To answer your main question, a certain degree of fatigue is standard with radiation. I also had kick-butt chemo. Ten years later, I still credit exercise for a relatively easy trip through all treatment.
    And hey, good macaroons just could be the cure. One more thing I will say: if you need some energy potions to make it through the exercise you are planning, then go for it. I used a lot of Hammer Gel. Because you will come back energized, feeling great, and get a good night's sleep.

    (I am writing this absolutely beat from an early morning flight back to Seattle from NYC where I spent several days for business. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed. But vegetables and a good dinner with wine are the key here. I got more than 4 miles of walking in, so will get back on the exercise wagon tomorrow. Zzzzzzzzz.)

    Feel livelier soon. - Claire

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  • nelnan0
    nelnan0 Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2019

    Thank you, Clair in S, or your inspiration!

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