Fatigue after bowel cancer surgery and chemotherapy.

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Hi,

I had surgery for colon cancer in August which was surgically successful.  As it was a stage 3 tumour I had preventative chemotherapy, four cycles which involved an infusion followed by two weeks of tablets.  I’m three weeks clear of tablets and signed off by the oncologist.  Generally the whole process has been okay except the side effects of chemo were tough. Now fatigue is a problem and seems to be getting worse.  I’m a fit 69 year old and taking no medication.  I understand about sleep, diet and exercise.  I was wondering if anyone has tips for recovery from fatigue. Thanks, Ashley.

  • Hi  and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your journey to date.

    I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for over 25 years with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable) that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but talking with and getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot.

    The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend that you look to join and put up your own post in our dedicated……..

       Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer

    …….. support area. This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.

    To connect in with the group please click on the link above……. then once the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.

    You can then introduce yourself to the group by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.

    You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.

    The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits and financial guidance or just a listening ear.

    Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.

    Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community. 

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

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