After getting through all of my Chemo quite well. I find myself more tired than during most of the Chemo. The tiredness started during a last two weeks of Chemo.I was told it could be an accumulative effect of the Chemo.Has anyone else become more tired at the end?I probably need to get fit. But my thighs don't have much strength, and my knees are weak too.Has anyone done rehabilitation after Chemo?

Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope I pick up like you, probably will. As you said in time for Radiotherapy Mine starts 31/8.

I was so tired, with aching muscles in the weeks after chemo finished. I seriously wondered if i would ever feel better. I tossed and turned at night with an aching back and hips and just felt exhausted. But, after about 3-4 weeks I picked up and by the time radiation started I was feeling good. Hang in there - it will get better. Your body has just taken a chemical beating xx

Radiation is tiring too - even though it’s nothing like chemo, it’s still an assault on your body so go gently on yourself. Get some moo goo udder cream also and slather it on once you start with whatever else your medical team recommend. It’s wonderful stuff. Hope it all goes well for you x

Hi @Abbydog , I was the same, last couple of weeks of Chemo, really felt tired. Felt quite good (not quite back to normal) just before radiotherapy started, but I have 2 more left of 20 and today am starting to really feel tired again. But as we are still in lockdown in Melbourne, there isnt a lot to do! Will miss my daily excursion to Radiotherapy. Like @ddon says the moo goo udder cream is really good, i am also using the moo goo body wash. Moo Goo do an oncology pack which has both of those items included which makes it a good buy. Good luck, every day is a step forward.

Thanks ddon and Kazb, I am hopeful of improvement. Thanks for your advice.

Tired after Paclitaxel Chemo completed. ( EC prior)

Abbydog
Member
5 years ago
Thanks kmakm, I had thought of doing some rehab. My thighs and knees are both very weak, since all of the Chemo.
I had some arthritis before, but it seems much worse now.
I haven't done enough walking and/or exercise during Chemo.
I hope to improve this with a little walking, as my tiredness is slowly improving.
I have it on my to do list, to seek out a rehab programme. I feel like a much older woman, for the moment.
Like you, I've just started Radiotherapy and will start Letrozole soon after.
kmakm
Member
5 years ago
I was exhausted and fatigued, and did two lots of oncology rehab. I really enjoyed them both and they were very beneficial. Ask at your local public hospital. There are often waiting lists so get onto it asap.

Like @Sister I am often (mostly) tired and sometimes fatigued but two years later I think that's mostly from Letrozole. All the best, K xox
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
Hi Abbydog, I don't think I would have coped very well at home if they did keep me for only 1 night after Mastectomy and lymph node removal. That doesn't sound fun having a seroma aspirated 5 times. I had it done one time.
I am hoping when I have radiotherapy the public hospital lets me use the plastic mepital. Some of the ladies here have had a lot of success with it. It is so wonderful everyone shares their tips and experiences. I would be a right royal mess if I was doing this on my own without their knowledge and support. Keep in touch. Sending hugs xxx
Abbydog
Member
5 years ago
Hi Locksley, I was surprised that the anticipated time in hospital was 1 night, for Mastectomy with lymph node removal. I know public hospitals don't keep patients any longer than needed. I guess at least you did get the time you needed.
I had 5 nights, in private hospital. But my drains emptied a large amount of bloody fluid. Followed by aspiration of seroma 5 times over following 8 weeks. I'm pleased you can have a support person. Your husband would be very handy for the ice therapy to your hands and feet. I must say, it doesn't look comfortable.
Today I had the first Radiotherapy. It went well, but they started an hour late. Some problem with the machine. I was told this was not typical.
The Right side of my chest is covered in 'plastic'. Mepital.
Feels odd, but everyone says it's great to minimise skin damage. So I am grateful it is supplied at the public hospital I'm attending for Radiotherapy.
It's hard to imagine having it on for 5 weeks.
Best wishes as you continue your Chemo and cold therapy.
Keep in touch.
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Abbydog, Am plodding along.   My husband is still allowed at this point in time to still come to chemo with me. We have to wear a mask and each appointment we expect to be advised that the rules have changed at some point.
I had a lot of pain with my Mastectomy.   I was meant to stay in public hospital only 1 night. Ended up staying 5 nights which I was grateful for. I had a huge amount of nerve pain the drs could not get under control and they couldn't send me home in such pain.   They found once the endone wore off there was nothing else working for any pain relief and my pain levels went straight back up to 8 / 9. They said it was not normal.   It was not fun either.
Hope all goes well for your radiation.    I am feeling a bit weary today and my knees hurt too.   Sending hugs xxx
Abbydog
Member
5 years ago
Thanks Locksley, How are you doing? Will you be taking anyone with you to Chemo, is anyone allowed due to COVID?
Did the Mastectomy go as well as it could?
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
Abbydog wishing you all the best for your radation in a few days. Im a couple of months away from this, just starting the taxol weekly chemo for 12 weeks. Sending hugs xxx
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

Abbydog said:

Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope I pick up like you, probably will. As you said in time for Radiotherapy Mine starts 31/8.

Abbydog Wishing you well for the start of your radiation, mine starts on the 15/9 so not far behind you. Hugs Cheryl
Sister
Member
5 years ago
For me, the worst fatigue from chemo and then rads tapered off within a few months but I have heard that it takes about twice the duration of the treatment to recover. That said, mine has stuck around so whether that is as a direct result of AIs or an indirect result from other side effect from AIs or indeed from the chemo - who knows?
Abbydog
Member
5 years ago
Thanks ddon and Kazb, I am hopeful of improvement. Thanks for your advice.