Hi fellow travellers. I had an RC about this time last year and am doing fine - NED which is great. But, I do feel more tired than before the BC, and don’t have the same stamina or pep. Is this usual post RC. Y blood work is fine. Cheers Leo
Hi Leo,I’m 6 years post op and have not got my stamina back.I have to pace myself else I can’t complete tasks that need extra energy.I don’t know how common this is but it is frustrating.Best wishes Jane
For me, it was at least 8 months before I shed end of the day fatigue. Having had open surgery with neo, it took me about a year before I felt physically recovered enough to build up my fitness level in earnest. I started doing a new exercise class and did some weights at home. Was probably still snacking between meals as well, until I got my weight back to what I wanted. After a while I recall I did feel fitter than pre-op.
So probably fairly normal, given as well that we are all getting older anyway while recovering. Depends as well what sort of tasks you expect, or are trying to do!
I had my RC in July 2025. I went back to work in early September and quickly felt tired and fatigued. Despite this I tried to continue with my walking/cycling regime. I am starting weights again soon to build leg and arm muscles. I have felt much better over Xmas. I dream of being as energetic as I was prior to the cancer journey.
from what I have read and experienced it is completely usual. And in fact while we are all desperately trying to 'get back to normal' after cancer treatment we should be aware that we are facing a new normal - both physically and mentally.
I read a very useful article - possibly on this forum or perhaps the Urostomy Association about all of this:
After the treatment finishes, then what? by Dr Peter Harvey, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust.
I thought it was so useful that I downloaded it and still go back to it from time to time.
What I have learnt is that it is not actually possible to forget the effect of cancer treatment on our lives and that it is unrealistic to think we can get back to exactly how we were.
For one thing, before we knew we had cancer we had an innate confidence in our body, which has now been dissipated by the fact that our body was in fact unwell before we knew it. And the treatment we have had has altered things permanently. For example, Immunotherapy left me with peripheral neuropathy. I can still walk well but the feeling of my feet on the floor is different and so I'm less agile.
Added to that, for example, I was a very fit 69 year old with lots of energy, using the gym several times a week, doing high-level Pilates, walking for miles etc etc. Nearly 4 years later I am not that person and however well I have recovered I never shall be: e.g. my core muscles are still not very strong now, even though I work on them. Plus, after treatment I have a heart condition that leaves me breathless while climbing stairs (when I used to run up several flights at a time). Although I am hoping that I can have treatment to improve and hopefully get rid of the uneven heart beat. And I seem to have an untreatable aneurysm that means I am forbidden from lifting heavy weights and moving one arm 'violently' e.g. scrubbing the floor (obviously that's a benefit!).
When I feel fed up about all of this, I remind myself that since the treatment I also no longer have the cancer, which is far more important than calories and energy. And I am much fitter than I was just after the operation and intend to continue to improve. But I have eventually realised that feeling sorry for myself because things haven't just bounced back is useless. I am grateful for what I can still do and will continue to edge up when I can. And giving myself permission not to feel somehow less than I was in the past has been liberating.
I advise everyone to look at that article above. It has helped me a lot.
Thank you Latestart for that article. That is exactly how I feel. I have just had my 2nd TURBT where they found no evidence of recurrence but a large ulcerated area which was biopsied. Now am waiting for histology and start of BCG inductive therapy.
Right now, I feel no longer in control. I feel like I am balancing on top of an abyss with the sword of Damocles on my head. Life will never be the same again. I take courage from this site and from King Charles who has just completed one year of treatment. All I can do, is re-learn what it is like to be 'normal' once again. Long way to go. 2026, here I come.
