Radiation/Mental fatigue affecting depression

[meadowseed]

Hi fellow beings dealing with cancer!

I'm halfway through 4 weeks of radiation and feeling really mentally exhausted. I've been treated for mild depression most of my adult life, and when I'm super super fatigued, the depression kicks in full force. Can anyone relate? What do you do when you feel this way? It's a challenge to summon the mental energy to work at my Full time job. I really want to work and manage my energy! I just have a hard time summoning the energy to do anything about this. Affirmations or suggestions would be very welcomed. Thank you!

[anrean]

I can relate completely. Currently going through my 5th primary cancer, this time lung, which is now stable. When I felt the depression kicking up, the doctor upped my antidepressant and it helped a great deal. We lowered it when I didn't need the extra boost anymore.

Also look at physical exhaustion adding to depression. I had a terrible time with each radiation - felt like someone inserted a needle and sucked out all my energy, which contributed to the depression. By the time I got to the middle I was fighting hard just to muster the energy to go to radiation. I fought that with Vitamin B12 and lots of sleep and rest (in bed with my eyes closed even if I couldn't sleep) and exercise (walking).

Hope that you get through this - it isn't easy, but you will come out the other side and a little while after that look back in wonder at all you accomplished! Even if you don't make it to the end working full time, will your employer either bring you down to part time for a little while or can you afford to be off work?

[Knapweed]

The exhaustion and mental challenge is real - and I was only working part time at the time. Rest and divert your mind as much as you can - I don't have any magic answers (and I know you don't expect them) - I have learned to accept a different me and make the most of the energy when it is there - mental energy did return

[Tilly101]

I hope you are recovering from radiotherapy and its debilitating feelings of fatigue and depression...I am on my third week of 4 week treatment just gritting my teeth to get through the next 7 treatments...

Best Wishes for your recovery.