Fatigue management

Thank you . My diet is good and my blood tests reflect that. It is abt me time it would seem. I know that we all go through this trough of fatigue and when multiple meds have the same side effects its frustrating. 

Hugs

Thanks Deanne.  It is true break the routine with fresh air and sunshine. I love walking but the busy busy gets in the way. I have a to do list each day to manage the work load. Today's list has 4 major tasks. It's also our wedding anniversary 38 years my goodness where has the time gone. 

Thank you for the support. Hugs xx

Thanks Cath. A true gardener out there planting with your d re ains in, made me smile.

Thanks Brenda. My life is extremely busy, always has been. All my blood levels are good and I find bananas as nature's energy food when I  need a boost. 

Its probably one the most common side effects. My medical team told me it realistically takes a good 12 months to get over Chemo and start to feel quite good again. I think we don't realize the complexity of the effects, what its done to our bodies, I know I never really thought about it.

Im 8 months post chemo, still get sore feet and legs, however have to say Ive been seeing a Kinesiologist and this is the ONLY thing that has actually helped aleviate some pain and get me moving more. I used to exercise, but was debilitated for 4.5 months through treatment, so getting back into even walking has been horrendous. I did an 8 week rehab program at the Epworth in Melbourne and it was amazing!!! so so good! It really has gotten me moving and building some muscle mass again, as all of it was depleted due to inactivity. 

Fatigue is mostly from treatment, Im on Arimidex and thats renowned for joint pain. Minute I finished chemo I was put on Vitamin D daily. I find out next week my bone density results yikes! 

I think its a balance of things, but I find a little exercise and rest when needed mostly listen to your body. I find it tough when youre juggling kids and work with no support..so I have to be extra kind to me. Id say the fatigue has improved but when it hits its sudden and I need to nap LOL. Oh and yes I get the dizziness sometimes too, even if Im just sitting, its weird! 

Melinda x

I've just been told exercise but don't overdo it, just walking is enough when you are feeling fatigued. Now winter is just about over try and get out for walks I guess.

I find with fatigue, it's important to find that thing which recharges you, and make a little bit of time for that every day. For hubby and I it's reading quietly. For others it might be connecting with a good friend or spending time in the garden. The important thing is to work out what actually makes you feel refreshed and energised, not just something you enjoy (there are plenty of things I enjoy that I know still wear me out). It sounds a bit wishy washy a first, but you'd be surprised the difference it can make.

Other than that, looking at what medicines you are on that might be contributing or seeing if you can improve your diet and get exercise (which helps with fatigue, counter-intuitive though it may be).

Hi Christine,

I think getting out and enjoying the garden will definitely help combat fatigue.

Depending on your treatment and then the medication side effects too, it can take a long time to replenish the energy we lose. 

I found it improved with time but I also found it helped to be very kind to myself. I had to remember that treatment had taken sooooo much goodness and energy from my poor body and mind. I needed to treat myself carefully (like I would someone else who had been through a trauma!).

I gradually worked out what things made me feel better (a little exercise, seeing something beautiful, relaxing with family or friends, a yummy healthy meal, etc) and what made it worse (stress, some people's attitudes and actions, frustration, not eating well, etc). Too much of what made it worse and not enough of the good bits meant fatigue was worse. I had to get the balance right which took some time to work out.

Even now, over 3 years since diagnosis, I run out of energy pretty quickly when I get stressed. I think the biggest thing that stressed me out in the beginning was worrying about feeling so fatigued! 

Go and enjoy the garden and you will be bound to feel better and the energy will follow. 

?? Deanne xxx

Hi Christine, 

Oh I can relate to the enjoyment of getting out into the garden to recharge the batteries and also to de-stress. After my mastectomy my sister gave me a gift card for the local nursery so I could buy some gorgeous flowers for the garden which I could gaze upon as I recuperated. Only problem was I went overboard bending and potting them when I still had drains in - oops!! Was totally worth it though. I have not had to have chemo or radiotherapy and experience the fatigue that comes from those treatments but I do know the benefit of allowing yourself time to get out and smell those daffodils, marvel in their beauty, watch the petals dancing in the breeze and just taking time to slow down without placing any pressure on yourself whilst doing it would have to be one of life's greatest pleasures! I don't know I'd it helps with fatigue. It it sure helps with feeling good. Hoping that the Ever ready Bunny comes and waves his energy wand over you soon. Xx Cath

I think fatigue is your body's way of saying chill out and relax. Unfortunately it can go a little too overboard and stress doesn't help. I take a vitamin D3 daily now and my bone aches are a lot better. If I want to do something really energetic I cheat and take a Berocca to give me B B Bounce lol.