Does anyone have any experience of post treatment cancer fatigue?

[linnet]

I am now about 18 months after finishing treatment (TAH followed by chemo) but still really frustrated with the fatigue that I am feeling. Can anyone tell me if this is 'normal' so long after treatment finishes?

[Hidden]

It was certainly my experience. Remember that you are (probably) still horribly menopausal. Have you had a full blood screen to check if you are anaemic? Also, it is likely that we suffer post traumatic stress to some degree or another, and it will be helpful to find a counsellor to help with that. Take it easy, but also challenge yourself when you can.

Best wishes,

Isadora

[pixie]

Hi, sorry to hear things are still tough for you. I was frustrated with the persistent fatigue after my chemo - although it was only about 6 months. For me the big turning point was getting some HRT. I know this is not suitable for everyone, if your tumour was oestrogen receptive, but it is worth discussing with your doctor. I hadn't realised how many of my post-chemo symptoms were actually menopausal - bear in mind that a surgical menopause can hit you like a double decker bus, but with everything else that is happening to you it is difficult to separate out the problems.

Best wishes

Gael

[ScottishMisty]

Linnet, I agree with what the others have said and I too have experienced this tho I had no chemo thankfully. I had TAH + in Oct 09 and suffered from debilitating fatigue for a very long time - no amount of blood tests or talking got rid of it. What did was that I took part in an online course thru Macmillan and Stanford Uni in the USA for Cancer Survivors.....it is very similar to the Expert Patients' Programme but was specifically geared towards cancer survivors. Not only did I make lots of new friends but I learnt how to deal with the fatigue, my emotions, the cancer and I came out the other side a different more positive person.

I would like this course to be made available to all those of us who want to try it as I feel it was a huge success not just for me but for those I met on the course - albeit online. I think it was a trial but it would benefit so many people I think Macmillan should look into it further.

Try to do a little exercise each day, increasing it gradually (even if it is only very slow walking); do something positive each day fro YOU; and try to remember there are lots of girls on here willing to listen.

Take care hun,

Sheila:)X

[Hidden in reply to ScottishMisty]

Wonderful Sheila,

Just to say that the benefits you derived from your course (except meeting other people) 'I learnt how to deal with the fatigue, my emotions, the cancer and I came out the other side a different more positive person'; are all the possible benefits of findings a Counsellor to talk things through with. Many cancer departments have such Counsellors available, and it's well worth asking!

Isadora.

[beckyh]

It's re-assuring to read this question as I still have days when my energy seems not only to have left the room, but the also the planet! I did see my GP to make sure I wasn't anaemic - I wasn't - but my thyroid is borderline under-active and I have to have another test in about a week. (There is a four week gap between the first and second test - I had my first test about three weeks ago!) This could explain my lack of energy - and strangely I am hoping it is this because it is easily treated. Just a thought for you to ponder.

Becky xx

[linziepops]

I have been wanting to raise this subject for some time but have not felt able to do so! I too suffer from fatigue nearly two years after being diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer. I used to work full time (now medically retired) and owned a horse which I rode 6 days a week, as well as running a house and owning a dog etc. Now I struggle to dig for 1 hour on our allotment and only ride a maximum of 3 times a week which I try not to do on successive days. I get very frustrated.

I have mentioned it to doctors and consultants but I get the feeling it is what I should expect having been through major surgery and chemotherapy.

Friends and family are supportive but I think they think I should lower my expections. I on the other hand feel I don't want to give in to it!

To be honest I just don't know what to think. It is at least reassuring to know I am not alone; thank you Linnet.

Take care, Linzie

[AngelaAbell]

Hi Linnet.

I would echo what some of the other ladies have said. After my surgery and chemo (13 years ago) it took me 2 years to really feel that I could cope with many of the things I had taken for granted before. My engery levels did return, although I did start to avoid taking on work that required sustained levels of concentation and stamina for a whole day, and I was able to go back to hill and mountain walking and many other active pasttimes. Everyone told me not to be impatient or hard on myself but it was frustrating as I just wanted to get back to normal. So I think the advice to just keep going, doing what you can and let your stamina build up slowly is sound - even if it is difficult not get impatient.

Take care and good luck.

Angela