I finished treatment for cervical cancer (last treatment being bracytherapy) in April, and an MRI in July showed no sign of a tumour. Is it usual to still get bouts of extreme fatigue, or am I being a hypochondriac? For context, I’m 75 and do have a rare chronic blood cancer that was diagnosed in 2013 which is controlled by medication and has never given me problems in the past. I also suffered sepsis and a peri-arrest during cancer treatment resulting in a 3 month hospital stay with chemo and radiotherapy being paused for a while. I’m getting very frustrated that I have so little energy.
Hi Chorister
I don’t think you’re being a hypochondriac at all-you’ve been through intense treatment, which can take its toll. Tiredness can be a common factor during and beyond treatment, and I hope you might find this booklet by MacMillan helpful.
The fatigue is not the same as simple tiredness, so I hope you can try not to be too hard on yourself for something which is outside your control. You’ve done well to complete your treatment while also suffering from another condition.
Sarah xx
I have other conditions which can make my life very difficult, and I still at times beat myself up about not being able to do nearly as much as I could before my cancer diagnosis.
Sometimes I just have to give my head a shake and appreciate that I am still here, still trying, and accept that I need to give myself more grace for keeping going and doing my best. If that’s all I can do, then it’s enough! And I’m only 64!
Sarah xx
