Fatigue management

I found this too with my family. Treatment was finished so you're alright. A year after treatment my husband finally gets it and can tell when my batteries are getting low. It is very hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it that it is more than just being tired. It is overwhelming exhaustion and you just have to stop. That's why it's so important that we are aware of our bodies and can verbalise to others when we need to rest and recharge. 

Onya Nadine - you are giving it all your best shot! 

Your dried monkey testicles comment made me smile, if you were from Melbourne the saying would be "if they told me to bare my bum in Bourke Street, I would"

It would seem we all can identify and understand why the fatigue is upon us.  What is the struggle is how long it takes to dissipate and I feel that the longer it goes on the worse it gets, or at least that is my perception!

Fresh air and some exercise certainly helps and I've been eating oranges as they are at their peak at present in order to build up Vitamin C to keep the virus or infection at bay.  As well as Cranberry juice for bladder health and so the list goes on..............

Good luck with your routine and I hope that you can find some sort of new normal that allows a day out with the girls without the need for a Nanna nap before or after!  Goodness it's frustrating isn't it!

Take care sending you a virtual hug from Christine xx

Hi Christine, I am really struggling with fatigue too, but I am doing absolutely everything I can to get back to normal. I attend a cancer rehabilitation class twice a week. I have a tailored exercise program which I do every day. I plan something fun every weekend. I ensure I eat well and have no alcohol. I am on Vitamin D3. I have starting using a CPAP mask at night to ensure I get enough oxygen when I sleep. I have counselling with the cancer council every 3 weeks. I see a pain management specialist to ensure I don't wake up during the night from pain. And I see a psychologist who specialises in cancer and pacing therapies for people with fatigue which has taught me to identify my limits better and recognise the signs (like getting teary) when I have done too much. I swear if someone told me that dried monkey testicles would get rid of the fatigue then I would take that too!!!! But while all of these things help me 'cope' with the fatigue, it doesn't get rid of it. I had a great day out with 2 very dear girlfriends today but I still had to cut it short and come home for a nap. It just wiped me out so much. I am learning that the only thing that might get rid of it is time which is unfortunate as I can't work full time yet and I need the income. So I am beginning to come to terms with that as well. I will just have to cut back on expenses and be kind to myself and remember this is not my fault.  I hope you can find something that works for you.

Take care, Nadine

So true - it is only us on here that understand it totally! 

I like how you put it into prospective like that. I too hate doing nothing and feel lazy if I am not busy. But if I am busy going about my usual day, everyone takes it for granted that I am ok and especially my family load me up with more to take on. Then when I say hey I feel like crap they don't get it because one minute I am ok then the next i'm not, this is the same with work as well.

Hi Karen - thank you for the advice.  I listened to an exercise guru on the radio this morning and his comment was listen to your body.  I guess when you've always been so active and it seems to be taking forever to get on top of fatigue common sense doesn't always come to the forefront.  Your advice makes lots of sense.  I feel like the longer this goes on the more the fatigue sets in.  I know some of it is medication related, the hidden extras of our medications and yes the aftermath of all the surgeries and treatments.  It is a long haul!

Very cold morning here today, reminds us we are still in winter!

Thanks again, appreciate the support

Take care from Christine xx

Hi Christine, I did an oncology rehab course. Fatigue management was part of it. We were told to think of ourselves as phone batteries. None of us are fully charged after treatment and would be at a maximum charge of 80%. Learn your body's tell tale signs of fatigue (mine is getting grumpy and feeling overwhelmed. I also get a bit teary too). Don't let your battery get so depleted that you get to zero as it takes a lot longer to recharge. Try not to let yourself get lower than 40% battery before you rest and recharge. This way you can recharge quicker. I was told that it can take up to 2 years after chemo and radio to feel your energy levels getting back to normal. As someone who was always doing something, I have learnt that rest is just as important as everything else and I don't feel guilty if I have a quiet, restful day/afternoon/hour.  The days you can walk 4kms great but if some days you don't manage a walk, that's ok too. Pace yourself. It's so easy when you've been feeling so poorly that as soon as you feel ok you do as much as you can whilst you feel good. I have found that this has worked for me and has helped me learn to pace myself. Take care. Karen xx

I can totally relate! My life is insanely busy and Im currenly working 3 days a week and have been since end of January, but Im actually finding it all too much. I work with Autistic children and whilst I love it, I just dont have the physical or mental stamina. So walking is hard alot as I run out of time and steam. When I do get home thankfully my children are 17 & 18 now so do an awful lot, but Im still the only Adult keeping the household together.

It really is about balance, Ive put work last and when I get overwhelmed I sit down and have a look at everything on my plate and see how I can priortise and the things I can let go of. 

The one thing Ive learnt and I think its key in all of it and managing and balancing your fatigue is making sure above all the things you have to do...you do the smallest thing in a day that honors you, be it a quiet cup of tea alone. Listening to some music...or a walk in your garden. Something that honors you...I find this lets me gather myself a little to keep going and just being kind to yourself. Things absolutely do and will improve so step at a time and doing what works for you.

Congratulations on your Anniversary, how wonderful!!! Enjoy! 

Melinda x

Thanks everyone there is no magic cure. It would seem it is about work life balance. Just have to roll with it for now. Sending everyone good vibes for a good day and a virtual hug xx

Thanks Melinda you summed it up well. It sometimes hits unexpectedly.