Forum Discussion

kimmie_o's avatar
kimmie_o
Member
11 years ago

recovery of stamina adter DIEP

I was diagnosed recently with multifocal DCIS and on 4 June underwent a mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction. I returned to work after 6 weeks but after 2 weeks back am really struggling with low stamina. My job is 30 hours per week with a combination of desk work / meetings and patient care. I am cutting back at the moment but wonder how long before I will have anything approaching a normal energy level. I am 56 years old, previously very fit, and have a supportive husband and 2 children in university at home. I am pleased with the outcome of the DIEP and glad I went ahead with it, but it isn't for the faint hearted. I do not need chemotherapy or radiation, otherwise I would have waited for the reconstruction.
Fatigue
Reconstruction

3 Replies

  • kimmie_o's avatar
    kimmie_o
    Member
    11 years ago

    Dear Paula,

    Thank you very much for the encouragement!  You have really been through a lot, and it is amazing that you went back to work part time at 6 weeks.  What I find difficult is that before cancer I have been tired at times, and have needed to dig deep into my reserves to get through (I think this is true for all mothers and working mothers).  The reserve energy has almost always been there, but I find I have no reserves to dig into at the moment.  I try to pace myself, but the demands at work seem to build, and my colleagues (mostly lovely) still want me back on deck and I imagine are tired of covering for me.  If I do give in and overdo it, it really does set me back.

  • kimmie_o's avatar
    kimmie_o
    Member
    11 years ago

    Dear Paula,

    Thank you very much for the encouragement!  You have really been through a lot, and it is amazing that you went back to work part time at 6 weeks.  What I find difficult is that before cancer I have been tired at times, and have needed to dig deep into my reserves to get through (I think this is true for all mothers and working mothers).  The reserve energy has almost always been there, but I find I have no reserves to dig into at the moment.  I try to pace myself, but the demands at work seem to build, and my colleagues (mostly lovely) still want me back on deck and I imagine are tired of covering for me.  If I do give in and overdo it, it really does set me back.

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago
    I had a Double TRAM flap reconstruction in Dec 2013. One was a delayed recon and also a propylactIc with immediate recon. I went back to work 16 hours a week at 6 weeks post op. Now 7 months down the track I wonder how I did it. I had issues with groin pain relating probably to where they took my stomach muscle and put mesh in. I despaired that I would ever be able to stand for more than an hour straight as I sometimes have to as a nurse. I would say it took me around 5 months to really be on top of that. I had however done chemo twice in 18months and radiation ( I had had a recurrence ). Whilst I still get tired at times I think it is more to do with two diagnosis in 18mths and all that treatment and not just the surgery. Everyone is different and I guess if you were fairly fit before that you will bounce back a bit quicker. Be kind to yourself and listen to that body of yours. Rest while you can. Even without chemo/ radiation you have been through a lot. Hang in there, it does get better. Paula x