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Beatha's avatar
Beatha
Member
13 days ago

Recovery with other chronic illness/disease

I'm through treatment (surgery and radiation) and the stress of making the huge decision not to take AI’s (pure mucinous carcinoma) and. Y onco team is fine with that. But I suspect like many, breast cancer is not my only life or health issue.  Five weeks after radiotherapy I’m so fatigued I’m having trouble doing much.  I also have diabetes, severe kidney disease and heart failure, the latter managed by a device that restricts my heart rate range.  Not whinging as these are things I have under fairly close to optimal control.  And it is what it is. But I don’t know how to get past this fatigue.  I'm exercising in small doses, increasing strength training (also in small doses) but my zest for life has disappeared. Is this normal?  I usually paint, and crochet and garden and cook and read and play my guitar.  Not sure where to turn to or whether to just wait it out in hope.  I’m either under  or overdoing it. Ideas? 

anxiety
coping
post treatment

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  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    12 days ago

    https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-34-managing-fatigue/

     

    Have a listen to this podcast

    It will assure you that fatigue is not unusual.   It felt like forever when I was going through it but of course a new normal comes along

    Take care

  • May2024's avatar
    May2024
    Member
    13 days ago

    Hi Beatha​ , your body has been through so much with the cancer journey and I think it's normal at this stage of your recovery to feel like your zest for life has disappeared. I know of people who have said they only started to feel a change in energy improvement levels 6 months after radiotherapy. Having chornic illness / disease as well will mean a slower progess for you. My physio told me not to push myself with rehab and to listen to my body. I struggle with fatigue and if I have a big day, I know the following day I will be struggling for energy. I do find it frustrating not to have the energy that I did have before bc though, but I am hopeful I will get there one day. Sorry I don't have any helpful advice!

    • Beatha's avatar
      Beatha
      Member
      12 days ago

      That’s very helpful. To know I’m not alone in feeling this! I have been thinking it’s everything else and nothing will get better.  So thank you.  So very much.