No energy

Greengirl

Diagnosed at 47 in Dec 2019 after I found a lump.My treatment consisted of lumpectomy, radiotherapy and Tamoxifen. 

About 3 months after starting Tamoxifen
 ( started April 2020 so 12 months ago ) it was like I hit a brick wall. I have little to no energy.
I finished work at Christmas 2020 due to this and just do a little bit of work for my husbands business. Little as possible if I’m honest.

I have tried regular exercise and still do. Doesn’t help.I started antidepressant. My mood is ok. I just have no energy. I have lost my Mojo which is frustrating. 

Anyone else that hasn’t had chemo feel like this? Or is it just me ? 

MicheleR

Hi @Greengirl,

That doesnt sound much fun. Do you still see your oncologist? Review of meds? 

Sorry cant help specifically. 

Michele

Greengirl

@MicheleR due to see oncologist in July will discuss again . Thanks for your support 

FLClover

Maybe make an appointment to see your onc before then, and ask about your situation. Or mention it to your GP first. 

I didn’t do chemo, but did radiation and take an AI plus Zoladex injections. I also feel constantly tired. Sometimes it’s hard getting off the couch. I find doing things I really love helps. It inspires me which gives me enough energy to start moving and forget about my fatigue 

Greengirl

Thanks @FLClover.Good to know that someone can relate. I see my GP Monday. Thanks for the advice.I really need to get off the couch lol. It’s not me at all x 

AllyJay

Sometimes a person might automatically blame either their previous chemo or current meds, but remember, we can still get other medical problems other than relating to cancer or the treatments for that. I had awful fatigue and it turned out that my iron levels were extremely low and I had to have a ferritin infusion. Previously, for the same reason of extreme fatigue, it was established that my thyroid was not working well, and so take thyroid medication daily for that. I'm sure your GP can run a battery of blood tests to rule out any other issues which may be causing this.

MicheleR

I agree. You shouldnt just put up with it. I think fatigue is difficult to treat but keep asking for help. 

Greengirl

Thanks @AllyJay I have wondered about my iron levels to be honest 

Julez1958

Hi definitely see your GP and check out there are no underlying health issues there.I would be starting with a blood test.
There is good research that recurrence is less likely if you do exercise so I went to see an exercise physiologist for a programme.
I agree with FLClover it helps to do diverging you enjoy.
I have a target of at least 30 minutes of brisk walking every day so I try and mix it up and walk in different places and if someone wants to meet up I say “ how about a walk”?
Some days it’s hard with so much else going on but it’s important to look after your body a bit more now.
The other thing is to try and eat healthily lots of fruit and veggies, fish and enough lean meat for iron.

Greengirl

Thanks @Julez1958.I walk or ride for 1 hr most days but doesn’t seem to help with fatigue levels which is frustrating. Diet is pretty good but always room for improvement so thanks for reminder. 

Husband and I are going in caravan for a month in June so will be interesting to see how my fatigue levels go then ? Thanks for your comment and all the best x

Dory65

Hi @Greengirl,
Yep, me too. I used to be able to clean my whole house, now I'm exhausted after doing one area only. Same with the garden, which I used to enjoy, but now find too tiring. I've started thinking about downsizing. I'm on Zoladex plus Aromasin. It was even worse on Letrozole, because it caused inflammatory arthritis everywhere. Glad I changed drugs! GP says my iron levels are always low. I take a supplement, but can't feel any difference. Grateful for the medical treatment. Just wish it didn't make me feel suddenly old.

Greengirl

@Dory65 God thanks for that! Nice to know someone else feels like me .Not nice for you however .Yes grateful but ......
I’m on the waiting list for oophorectomy due to family history ovarian cancer  ( no gene ) but scared it might tip me over the edge 😬

Locksley

@Dory65 I feel the same.  I can only clean and  tidy a small area of house and gardening I can only do about 40 mins now.  Have been on letrozeole for only a.month.  people have said I may not feel side effects for a few months.

iserbrown

An article from the BCNA website that may help you cope with where you're at

"Fatigue | Breast Cancer Network Australia" https://www.bcna.org.au/health-wellbeing/physical-wellbeing/fatigue/

FLClover

@AllyJay yes, you’re right. Fatigue could mean low iron, and also a thyroid problem. I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and low iron a few years ago, and have been taking medicine for them since then. 

@Dory65 @Locksley I also get tired after cleaning one portion of the house, whereas before I could clean it all and then some. And after about an hour in a shopping centre I need to go home and nap. After two I feel drugged. Big difference to before. I hope it gets better after I start yoga and Zumba again 🤞🤞

Dory65

I concur!