Hello Sisters,
It's been 7 months since I finished my last Carbo/Taxol currently NED, been 8 weeks since my ventral hernia repair plan on getting back to exercise next week. I've been experiencing periods of fatigue I sleep a solid 9 hours a night wake up tired. Is this common during the first year?
Hello again 😊
I can't answer your question as I'm still undergoing chemo but I'm sure other women will come along soon and kindly share their experiences with you however one thought I did have and I wondered if you'd had your thyroid checked recently (via a blood test) as if you have an underactive thyroid this can cause tiredness.
Hope everything works out well for you x
Hi Sarah,How are you doing? I know we’ve chit-chatted before as we have the same OC type. Thyroid is good on meds I think I also tend to push my self probably a little too much at times as I did pre-OC journey forget what we’ve all been through.
All good with me thanks. Sixth chemo on Tuesday for me and then hopefully moving on to three monthly monitoring via blood tests soon after another blood test in early June.
My recent CT scan came back with no evidence of disease so I was really pleased to hear that.
Great news! We're on the same path due for my next CA125 draw last 2 have hovered around 6 crossing my fingers.
I think it's still common even 2 years later.
Debulking surgery and 6 months of chemo weren't easy to get over. And there's the emotional toll too. Not to mention the surgical menopause...
I'm still feeling the effects of all of the above, which is normal.
Some days I still get up late and then nap for a few hours before going to bed early. Your body and mind have been through so much.
Sleep when you need to, eat well, and get some gentle exercise but speak to your oncologist too.
DianaPrince,The emotional rollercoaster at times is a wild ride I found it really hit me post treatment on auto-pilot thru it. I was 62 when I was diagnosed it must be extremely tough going thru surgical menopause the journey is hard enough. Thank you for your experience as I said to SarahB I forge ahead like I did before then hit a wall and rest.
I’m finally post-hernia repair will be getting back to light exercise and swimming. I’ve made some diet changes always ate healthy but limit meat and dairy. My Onc is good but communication challenged which has been an ongoing issue for me her Triage Nurses field her emails I will persist if needed.
Hi saintgermain, I personally think this is normal.I found that for several months post chemo I was sleeping for 9to 10hrs a night & really wasn’t worth speaking to before 11 in the morning 😆I really believe in listening to your body& now almost 2years post chemo I feel almost back to normal. It’s all a huge shock to the system & we should allow ourselves time to repair.Enjoy your own space & assure yourself that after what you’ve been through you deserve this! Glad to hear as I do you have the all clear.Big hugs Dee X
Thanks a bunch Dee!I think one needs to remind oneself what our bodies have been thru like yourself I typically sleep 9-10 hours a night some mornings feel like I others not so much. So happy to hear your 2 years in the clear. Hugs from Chicago
Fatigue even after completing chemo is very common for a good while after. It’s due to a combination of reasons so be kind to yourself and gently nurture yourself back to your new normal. Eating a balanced diet will help, making sure you drink water enough each day, building up daily activities slowly and planning rest into your day will all help you. Exercise helps but only if you make sure you don’t overdo it and build it up very slowly. Just a 10-20 minute walk each day especially if it’s in nature somewhere to lift your spirits. If you feel up to it increase it a little but equally if you can’t, don’t beat yourself up over it. Ovacome have some good advice on their website about fatigue and exercise so do have a look there too. Good luck honey. Take it slowly … you’ve been through a terrible ordeal so your body just needs a bit of time to recover. Much love to you, Diane xx
Thanks a bunch Diane,
I'm easing back into exercise I slept 10 hours last night don't question it just go with it I'll check out the Ovacome fatique site.
I always suffered from dreadful insomnia pre chemo so Im actually quite happy with the fact that I get at least 6/8 hours good sleep a night now !
Hi Rosebine,
It's funny you mention that prior to this journey after menopause I had difficulty falling asleep now not so much maybe the silver lining.
The fatigue is really really common, I had to lower my exercise expectations, ordinary everyday activities and short walks became quite frustrating for me, I’ve always been really active.
Patience is a big one, I started taking B12 vitamins daily alongside my other supplements (I still do), I increased my protein and veggies plus we need carbohydrates for energy.
The biggest thing I found was to accept the trauma I’d experienced with both the surgery and chemo and to let my body heal and recover, it took me about a year to feel more like me. You will get there in time but if the fatigue continues speak with your medical team. Take care lovely ❤️Xx Jane
Hi Jane,
I'm with you I was really active also then Covid hit and this journey I think we all tend to rush back into exercise expect to pick up where we left off it is frustrating!
I was always a pretty much healthy eater but have decreased meat I reserve it for special occasions. Luckily I love salmon and try to get my protein from veggie sources just had my blood panel B12 is great I do take supplements including Beta Glucan and IP6 Gold who knows if it helps worth a try!
The trauma and fear of reoccurrence is a hard nut to swallow. Hugs to you Sister!
Hi there Saintgermain
Thank you for your post. I was sorry to hear that you’ve been feeling fatigued. I can see that you’ve had lots of informative replies from the forum community, but just wanted to share our resource on fatigue that Levanah mentions above: ovacome.org.uk/fatigue-booklet - I hope this is of interest to you.
As Cropcrop suggests, I wonder if this is something you’ve been able to discuss with a member of your clinical team? They should be able to provide personalised guidance and advice to help you with this issue.
We are here to support you so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you would like to talk through anything. You can reply directly through this forum or call our support line on (+44) 800 008 7054. We’re here Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm (U.K time), to provide information, discuss questions or just to have a friendly chat.
Best wishes
Annie – Ovacome Support
Yes, it takes at least a year for the full effects of chemo to leave your system. If you need sleep, then get the sleep and wake up refreshed and ready to face the day. Don't push yourself too hard!
Thanks a bunch SopSinger
I read your profile, a Chemist very impressive and a 15 year Survivor if I may ask what sub-type and grade you were I'm 3B Endometroid Low Grade did you change diet add supplements? I didn't know it takes a year for the effects to leave your system makes sense powerful stuff!
Tip for post-chemo fatigue
New survivor!
30 year survivor!! 
Fatigue!!!! 
