I have finished my chemo, radiation and now on hormone tablets for nearly 60days.I just cannot seem to regain my energy levels and was wondering if I should be taking a supplement. I cannot do much before I am puffing and exhausted, I am doing more than when on chemo as that wiped me right out !! I am going to get blood tests to check, and I have not been doing any exercise so I am going to start a little walk every day and try to build it up. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

If you have access to aqua aerobics I'd recommend it. I also benefited hugely from yoga and body balance/pilates classes. I found organised exercise classes worked for me (until work got in the way) as set times and group motivation made it easier to make myself actually do it. Yes, it costs, but I had the benefit of an 'open door' grant from the local sports complex that was available when I wasn't working.In the end, I think it takes time. I'm 3 years post my last treatment and have resolved that I will never get my old energy levels back. That said, even twelve months ago I would not have imagined I would be able to be working full time (and some) now. I can be my own worst enemy and I'd probably be better off if I was more rigorous about my diet and gave up the wine. Life is all about compromises--I've accepted that my vices cost me but that is my choice. Hang in there. Mxx

Hi @ChezaH and @Locksley. I think you're tumbling headfirst into the reality of the 'new normal'. My oncologist told me it takes a year to recover from chemotherapy. Everyone who's actually had chemo told me two to five years.The first thing I did was an oncology rehabilitation course. I had to go onto a waiting list at my local public hospital but it was 100% worth the wait.After that I was fortunate enough to take part in the pilot program for ExMed Cancer. If you are in Victoria you should check them out.https://www.exmedcancer.org.auOtherwise, an exercise physiologist is the way to go. They are trained and skilled in tailoring programs for people recovering from illness. Your GP should be able to refer you to a good one in your area. Failing that you can use this online tool:www.essa.org.au/findYou can get five subsidised appointments on an allied health plan through your GP.I did a lot of walking, and it's a great place to start, but I think to really start feeling stronger again you have to work more muscles! Like most exercise the key is to find one you can bear, if not enjoy! I love pilates, and the right kind of yoga can be a good thing as well. I can't abide a swimming pool but others love it!You are going to have to be patient though. It doesn't happen quickly.Personally I am unclear how much my current physical limitations are due to chemo damage or Letrozole. Or a combination of both. I'm hoping that when I eventually come off Letrozole I will be pleasantly surprised!Good luck, and take care, K xox

I agree. I started walking to our letterbox and built up as I felt better. I’ve had a few setbacks but just start again😊 once you can walk 5km, I really suggest you try parkrun. It is a 5km run/walk on Saturday mornings. (Google it) You don’t have to be fast- walkers are welcome. Actually, if you can walk about 3km give it a go- walking with others in a friendly environment gives you a lift 🚶♀️

Hi @ChezaHI feel i will need to do the exact same thing in a few weeks. Let me know how you go. I start 5 weeks of daily radiation on Thursday. Due to the blood clots I now have on my lungs and my heart I have to watch my heart rate and that I dont exert myself. Going for a walk around the block I now have to stop 4 or 5 times. My little dog wonders what the devil is going oin when we are going for a walk and there is not much walking going on. I feel so pathetic. I think once radiation is over and I am healed I will look at water aerobics. I found and purchased a cute cap to wear in the pool so I dont scare anyone with my bald head with stand up fuzz growing. Sending you hugs xxx

Walking is what you need. You have not been exercising so you are simply out of practice - muscles get a bit soft, you feel every effort more than you used to. So walk. Set yourself a realistic target for week one - so many steps each day. Then increase the target! Repeat. As you get your body working more, it’ll be easier. Taking it easy during treatment can be helpful - but now is the time to get back into gear. Best wishes!

What to do to regain my strength and energy levels

33 Replies

ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

Afraser said:

It’s all very varied. I had six months (A/C and Taxol) with no fatigue or nausea and no brain fog. I was 68 at the time. It would perhaps help if one could predict outcomes better but it remains pretty unknown until you start.

Yes I know it is all a learning game 🥴
Afraser
Member
5 years ago
It’s all very varied. I had six months (A/C and Taxol) with no fatigue or nausea and no brain fog. I was 68 at the time. It would perhaps help if one could predict outcomes better but it remains pretty unknown until you start.
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

Emma17 said:

@arpie Hi, what chemo regimen did you undergo? How long did it last? After, how many months do you estimate it took for the side effects like brain fog and fatigue to subside for you? Thanks.

Hi My body could only tolerate 3 x ac each time I was admitted into hospital and nearly past out in the oncologist rooms where I had to stay for over hour before I was allowed to leave started in March with a few breaks tamoxifen for 12 weeks finished in sept then radiation until end October now on hormone tamoxifen tablets been on them ever since
dont think my body has recovered ( I am 73) so struggling a bit
hugs Cheryl
Emma17
Member
5 years ago
@arpie Hi, what chemo regimen did you undergo? How long did it last? After, how many months do you estimate it took for the side effects like brain fog and fatigue to subside for you? Thanks.
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

jennyss said:

Dear @ChezaH,
I can relate to where you are now - I was so pleased to finish chemo after few side effects. But then the tiredness and lack of energy! I think your plan to gradually build up your walking is good. This worked for me, and I was very happy as I increased my strength. I like to look at birds and squiz at people's gardens too as I walk. I'll sign off now - time for my morning 20 minute walk.

Thanks and enjoy your walk xx
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

Leia said:

I agree. I started walking to our letterbox and built up as I felt better. I’ve had a few setbacks but just start again😊 once you can walk 5km, I really suggest you try parkrun. It is a 5km run/walk on Saturday mornings. (Google it) You don’t have to be fast- walkers are welcome. Actually, if you can walk about 3km give it a go- walking with others in a friendly environment gives you a lift 🚶‍♀️

Thank you xx
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

arpie said:

Make haste slowly, @ChezaH - you've been put thru the mill (both body and mind) & it takes a toll. The chemo alone can take months to work out of your system & some side effects (fog brain, tiredness etc) can last MUCH longer. :( Hopefully you won't get bad side effects from the AIs.

Do the walks, get back into your hobbies & crafts - anything to take your mind off the current situation - & help to kill time!

take care xx

Thank you I used to do so much more but it is annoying me that all I feel like doing is resting 😢 but I am determined to get myself moving again, appreciate your support xx
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

jennyss said:

Dear @ChezaH,
I can relate to where you are now - I was so pleased to finish chemo after few side effects. But then the tiredness and lack of energy! I think your plan to gradually build up your walking is good. This worked for me, and I was very happy as I increased my strength. I like to look at birds and squiz at people's gardens too as I walk. I'll sign off now - time for my morning 20 minute walk.

Thanks for your help, appreciate it hugs cheryl x
jennyss
Member
5 years ago
Dear @ChezaH,
I can relate to where you are now - I was so pleased to finish chemo after few side effects. But then the tiredness and lack of energy! I think your plan to gradually build up your walking is good. This worked for me, and I was very happy as I increased my strength. I like to look at birds and squiz at people's gardens too as I walk. I'll sign off now - time for my morning 20 minute walk.
arpie
Member
5 years ago
Make haste slowly, @ChezaH - you've been put thru the mill (both body and mind) & it takes a toll. The chemo alone can take months to work out of your system & some side effects (fog brain, tiredness etc) can last MUCH longer. :( Hopefully you won't get bad side effects from the AIs.

Do the walks, get back into your hobbies & crafts - anything to take your mind off the current situation - & help to kill time!

take care xx

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What to do to regain my strength and energy levels

33 Replies

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