General malaise - insomnia- hacking cough

Hi Sharon,

Welcome to our online community.

Please never feel like you are bothering anyone, that’s exactly what we are here for. I’m glad you have reached out to us and hope you are finding the peer support from the online community helpful too.

It can take time to recover from side effects of surgery and radiotherapy. For many people this is a slow and gradual improvement in both symptoms and stamina. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to treatment, side effects and recovery – everyone is different. You may find this after treatment information useful.

Doctors usually start with a general fit note, with a view this can be extended if needed. I would encourage you to get in touch with your GP to ask if they can extend this to give you time to recover and build yourself back up. It’s better to take the time you need now, rather than rushing back and potentially delaying your recovery.

Many people also forget that hormone therapy, like Letrozole, is still a treatment that comes with possible side effects. Tiredness being one of the most common.

Fatigue can be a difficult symptom to cope with, but it is possible to manage it. We know that keeping active can actually improve fatigue, especially when you are able to combine this with eating well and finding a good sleep routine, although I know this isn’t always easy. Finding out what works for you, prioritising tasks and activities and trying to pace yourself and gradually build on stamina and confidence can help. We have lots of hints and tips on coping with fatigue and trouble sleeping that may help.

It might also be worth getting in touch with your employer to find out if there is anything they can do to help. Many workplaces have access to employee assist or occupational health services to help support you in your return to work. We also have a work support team available if you ever need to discuss your rights at work and help to negotiate reasonable adjustments.

It’s important to have your cough assessed.

At this time of year, there are so many viruses going about, so it’s possible that is what is causing your symptoms.  But it’s important to know sometimes radiotherapy to the breast or chest wall can cause the lungs to become inflamed, causing a dry cough or breathlessness. Your GP will be able to assess the most likely cause and refer you for further testing or advise you to get back in touch with your breast team if needed.

I hope this helps.

Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you have any further questions.

Best wishes, 

Amy C, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref: AC/LA