Tiredness post surgery

Hi Cat

I am fairly new to all this, however I was diagnosed with grade 2 invasive duct carcinoma on 6th Jan but had mammogram, scan  and biopsies on the 23rd Dec. I had a right breast mastectomy on the 7th Feb. Healing well but also suffering with feeling tired but not on any tablets at the moment.  I too was quite a busy person before, working in a school. I am struggling to sit still, although tired. I am awaiting more results to see if I need chemo. I think tiredness could be partly recovery from surgery and the shock of diagnosis maybe.. our brains are constantly thinking about everything even if we don't realise it. 

I wish you good luck with all further treatment and recovery.

Jenflower xx

Hi Cat Xcode

I was told to listen to my body and rest when needed. Just chat with your team about how tired you are - do you think this is due to meds ? Maybe they could reduce dose ? Do you do regular exercise ? 

Good luck with your recovery x

Hi Cat2 

I’m 49 and even in the year before my surgery (Dec22) I noticed more fatigue than normal for me, I now know that was likely down to my cancer growing pre diagnosis cancer cells need more energy that normal cells. My oncoplastic lumpectomy went smoothly and I’ve healed really well but all that healing our bodies have to do takes a huge amount of energy and the majority of key healing takes place when we sleep. Like you I was/am still quite a busy person because I live on my own, work for myself and I’m the primary carer for my elderly dad. I’m currently 2/3rds way through my 12 weekly doses of Chemo at the same time as trying to keep my business running and caring for my dad who had life saving surgery 8 weeks ago (the week I started chemo) and now needs more emotional and practical support. 
If your body is wanting to sleep more than usual try to let yourself without placing too much judgement on yourself, I’m writing this at 4:30 having gone to bed at 8:30 last night, after Chemo yesterday morning. Think of it as free medicine the best you can get when our bodies need rest they tell us But try walking in between that too with fresh air helps fatigue I found. Xx

Hello Cat,

It's a tough ride not like anything we've done before. I remember feeling completely empty at times prior to diagnosis. I just thought it was an age thing. I'm in my 60s. Just wanted to enjoy dancing and performing and looking after my Autistic son when he comes home. 

Anyway, now 3 mths after surgery and finished radiotherapy last week. I did dance yesterday indoors with my group. I felt like crying when I got there, I'm not as strong as I was but I'm going to keep going to build back up. Fell asleep in the afternoon and evening and then slept until 6 am, which is so unlike me. Need to shake up my fat cells and knees to keep them moving. 

Life beyond diagnosis, I just want to put it behind me at times. I'm going back to the clinic next week, need a bit if reassurance for the other nipple. Maybe it's just paranoia, I hope so. Energy does go during this journey, I have kept walking, went to the gym occasionally just to prove to myself what I can do. Good luck with everything, Sone amazing people on here full of hope and inspiration. The brain needs work as well to stay open to the universe and it's healing ways. Look at nature and what happens at this time of year. XxxxxxxxxX 

Hi cat 

I've just completed 6 rounds of chemo and lumpectamy and 5 lymph nodes removed just waiting for radiotherapy I found during all my treatment terrible fatigue and everything tasting horrid but I found a great product  from a company called newgen who only make organic products i loved their strawberries and cream one which I mixed in a small amount of porridge mixed with almond milk it really did help with my energy levels now I'm not on chemo I use their super food plus its amazing makes me feel much better hope this helps X