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 ?

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.

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

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.

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/

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

No energy | BCNA Online Network

21 Replies

Greengirl
Member
5 years ago
@Stormbird63 I feel your pain. I really hope things will get better for you but know your not the only one x
Greengirl
Member
5 years ago
@Halla all the best with your recovery. very difficult to get excited about housework at the best of times lol x
Halla
Member
5 years ago

Stormbird63 said:

Yep! Coming up to 2 years since surgery and radiation followed by tamoxifen. Dragging my feet around. Tried going back to gp. Tried antidepressants, changed jobs, struggle with finding regular exercise

Sounds like you have had a bit of a rough time @Stormbird63, I noticed you mentioned anguish on another post too...how have the last couple of years been for you?
Halla
Member
5 years ago
I’ve stopped HRT a month ago l, surgery 3 weeks ago and been on letrozole only a week. I am having hot flushes and am also really tired. But I’ve been pretty tired for years 🤔. I’ve never had any energy for housework!! I want to start exercise soon but still a bit tender after surgery. Walked the dogs the other day and I think I did some damage inside so now I’m scared to lift anything.
Keeping_positiv
Member
5 years ago
It wouldn't hurt to get a full blood test! I was also lacking energy and felt so tired after all my active treatment, so my GP ordered a full blood test. It showed that I had hypothyroidism, so I am now taking medication for that.

Also, remember that it can take a while to "bounce" back from cancer treatment.

Best wishes.
Stormbird63
Member
5 years ago
Yep! Coming up to 2 years since surgery and radiation followed by tamoxifen. Dragging my feet around. Tried going back to gp. Tried antidepressants, changed jobs, struggle with finding regular exercise
Dory65
Member
5 years ago
I concur!
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
@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 🤞🤞
iserbrown
Member
5 years ago
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/
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
@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.