Forum Discussion

cactusk's avatar
cactusk
Member
2 years ago

Radiotherapy and Fatigue

Good morning,
I'm only 5 fractions into my 15 day radiation treatment (post BC surgery, no chemo) and i'm feeling like I've been hit by a bus. My skin is holding up well (so far) but even after a short walk yesterday I needed to rest.
I realise that the effects are cumulative, so I'm a little worried about the next 2 weeks.
Any tips on how best to manage this, on top of gentle exercise and rest?
cactusk (Kelly)
Fatigue
radiotherapy
  • Julez1958's avatar
    Julez1958
    Member
    2 years ago
    Hi @cactusk
    I had 28 sessions of radiotherapy and only got fatigue in the last week
    i I was 62 and semi retired so was able to pace myself - I had but down my work schedule following my diagnosis
    I usually hosted Xmas at my place and as I finished just before Xmas I told me family we needed to celebrate at a restaurant and it was a great idea
    i bounced back soon enough but everyone is differebt
    The important thing is listen to your body and be kind to yourself 😊
  • cranky_granny's avatar
    cranky_granny
    Member
    2 years ago
    @cactusk the tiredness is the most common side affect. The burning can be treated but the tiredness, I found I just had to ride it out Mine started halfway through roughly and kept going for about 2 weeks after. Hit by a bus is a good description. It’s more than tired it’s like carrying  a heavy weigh. IT DOES GET BETTER. Forget the housework or if your lucky get someone else to do it just don’t expect it be done how you like it done. I used the time to have a nap. Things that’s great to say yes to is the vacuuming, bed making and hanging the washing. Keeping up good nutrition and fluid is essential. Good luck with it all. I always gave myself a treat at the end of each week. 
  • Locksley's avatar
    Locksley
    Member
    2 years ago
    I found radiation very tiring.  The 1 hour drive to hospital.  Having the Treatment session then the 1 hour drive home.  It was exhausting every day for 5/6 weeks.   Rest when  you need too.  The gentle walk will be there when you are ready.  
  • Tri's avatar
    Tri
    Member
    2 years ago
    Hi @cactusk your experience of fatigue is very similar to mine. 
    My radiotherapy was always first thing in the morning and for me timing a short rest - sleep really 😄 -  in the early afternoon made a big difference to my energy stocks for the rest of my day. 
    Arpie makes a good point too!
    Hope the next 10 sessions go well and the fatigue remains manageable. 
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    2 years ago
    Sorry to hear that @cactusk .... just pace yourself - if you are weary, have a rest - hold off on the walks for the time being. 
    Get someone else to do 'stuff' for you! ....  it could also just be an accumulation of 'everything' hitting you now that your diagnosis, surgery is over & you can relax a bit.  I was lucky & didn't feel fatigue at all & only had a little bit of skin breakdown at the end of the 4 weeks .... keep your fluids up too. 

    take care xx. Let your Rads Nurses know how it is affecting you too - so they note it down xx