fatigue and breathlessness

Hi I finished my chemo in July and am still really fatigued from about 1pm most days, and it really surprises me some days because I feel pretty good in the morning unless I had a bad night with little sleep. Then whammo the fatigue wipes me out.  I too was worrying about this, but had a good chat with my oncologist about this in mid December. She assured me that the fatigue is very common at this point in the process (so it would be true of you too), and that was such strong contender for the cause there was no reason to fear that it could be anything more untoward.

I am told this is probably mostly cognitive fatigue, and a sign that the chemo did a great job of getting into my brain to clear out nasty rogue cancer cells.So now my brain has some troubles when I work it too hard, and runs out of juice by about 1pm.  The fatigue is a pain, but it is good to know that the chemo gets into all the nooks and crannies, isn't it!

Breathlessness is what I started to get before scary parts of the process.  I got breathless about 2 or 3 days before my TCH chemo sessions most cycles, and often became very emotional and reactive at the same time, because I was tired and physically scared.  Could that be what is happening to you because you are about to start radiotherapy?

best wishes, hope it all gets better and goes well for you

Hello ...good news about the bone aches :) Sorry yr still having fatigue and breathlessness...When did you last have a blood test ? Fatigue and breathlessness can be symptoms of anaemia so might be worth excluding. All the best with yr radiation. Karen

 Thank You ladies for your replies. It is always reassuring reading that others felt the same and there is light at the end of the tunnel. This morning I woke up without any bone aches, just the usual fatigue and breathlessness. I will continue to rest when needed. Tomorrow is the start of my 6 weeks of radiotherapy and have been told by the oncologist I will go backwards with side effects. Keep moving forward is all we can do, while listening too our bodies.

 

Ditto to what the ladies above have said. However, I would just add to perhaps check your temperature incase the breathlessness is due to a chest infection(38 degrees is doctor time)I had the fatigue and aching bones/muscles.Hope you are feeling better tonight.Tonya xx

Try to remember that the side effects are cumulative,then add to that the terrible heat in Melbourne today,and I'm pretty sure that it's just the chemo.I had my last chemo just before Xmas 2013, and just yesterday,I was reading the daily diary that I kept.On the 15 th January,31 days after my last chemo,I wrote that my knees were aching terribly,whenever I tried to ride my bike,or walk up stairs.I also had written that I was so tired throughout the day,some days had been worse than others.I can tell you though,that it does pass,but it takes longer than you think.I had the same chemo as you,and now,just over a year later,I feel FAnTASTIC!!!!Rest when you feel the need,nourish your body with healthy foods,drink lots of water,and try to get some gentle exercise.When the weather cools down,you will most likely feel a whole lot better.Cheers xoxRobyn

Hi, I hope you are feeling better this afternoon. I had chemo nearly 4 years ago, and do not remember side effects like these a month later. Maybe a trip to your GP would be a good idea just to check that you are not coming down with an infection. Hope you make a speedy recovery. Chris xx

Hi SJennings

How are U?  You completed the Chemo that's really good.  I completed mine one in JUNE.  I remembered lots of so call "side effect" came out after than, one by one.  

In my experience, side effect during Chemo stage, it would up and down and last for couple day and the body feeling back to normal.  However, I experienced contingency side effect when completion of Chemo stage, like bone ache, tearing eye, swallon leg, muscle pain, and thigh tight (walk very difficult).  I had I feeling even worse than compare with when in Chemo.

I believed it's quite normal cause the Chemo drug was sitting inside the body.  Everytime when we receive chemo, there were sterile come with, and boost up the body.  But after finished, the body stayed there, and the things came out.  

I would suggest you to take it easy ..... You still are very weak, it will last 4 months, 6 months, or even longer depends on different people.   The way that how you caring during the Chemo, please do continue, like lots of drink, juice, fresh vegi, exercise.... all the things.  Your body will work on it.  But give it more time.

You'll be back as normal...take care.

Rosanna