Forum Discussion

CLF's avatar
CLF
Member
2 months ago

Post radiation fatigue

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Grade 1 IDC in October 2024 and finished my 15 radiation sessions on 13 January.     I did not need chemo.   Prior to radiation starting I was able to all the exercise I previously did (minus lifting weights more than 5kg) and that included walking 7-8km per day.         By my last radiation session and since then I have suffered severe fatigue including only being able to work for 4 hours in the afternoon as I tend to sleep all morning.

As someone who was so active and felt I got off lightly with my diagnosis, should I still be experiencing this kind of fatigue?
  • cranky_granny's avatar
    cranky_granny
    Member
    2 months ago
    @CLF the radiation fatigue can take a while to get over. Try slowly building up your endurance slowly. Also getting help from a physio that specialises in cancer related issues. You haven’t said whether you are on any on going treatment like hormone blockers. Which can make you a lethargic as well. 
    I saw a physio as well as a councillor as that also adds to lethargy. Its like a big crash at the end of active treatment. If you have a breast care nurse get in touch with her/him. They are a vital source of info. Also our help line can be very helpful as well. 
    Check out the various podcasts on here as well there is lots of good ones available to listen to. 
    I am still struggling to get to a decent level of exercise but for a different reason. 
    The link to the podcasts are at the bottom of this page 
    Hopefully someone from Perth area can point you to something in your area Im Sydney based 
  • Tri's avatar
    Tri
    Member
    2 months ago
    Hi @CLF
    sending you lots of “virtual energy” - it can be quite dispiriting when you’re experiencing the fatigue you describe. I did feel very tired after my radiation treatment- far more than I had expected.
    I had chemo and COVID19 prior to radiation therapy, so I put the tiredness down to being a bit depleted from those things but looking back I think the radiation therapy was just one more thing. Fortunately I was in the middle of an exercise rehabilitation program for oncology patients so the physiotherapists were able to keep an eye on my capability and moderate some of the strength and weight exercises.
    Sending you all the best for your recovery- you’ve been through a huge transformation and treatment - hope all goes well and in the direction you’re aiming for!! 🌸🌻
  • Julez1958's avatar
    Julez1958
    Member
    2 months ago
    Hi @CLF I had fatigue towards the end of radiation therapy and a few weeks after.
    I just took it slowly - doing gentle walking and then I went to see a physiotherapist recommended by my breast care nurse who helped me with range of movement   exercises.
    I saw her as a private patient but my GP wrote me a care plan so I got  some  back on Medicare.
    I went back  to Pilates on a modified programme after 8 weeks.