Hello. I’m looking for some advuce, not sure where to turn. I completed treatment for cervical cancer in November 2023. This was radiotherapy, chemotherapy and brachytherapy. I’ve been struggling with fatigue since treatment ended. I’ve told my cns, oncologist and my GP. They thinks it’s a combination of treatment and going through the menopause. I’m on HRT and have been since Feb 2024.I have had an increase in my antidepressants 7 months ago. I returned back to work 8 weeks ago. I am really struggling with the fatigue, to the point it’s becoming distressing. I can’t function day to day, I have to force myself to go to work. When I’m not working all I do is sleep, sometimes up to 16 hours a day. I have three children and feel as though I can’t be a mum as all I do is crave sleep. I’ve tried battling against it but I just can’t manage. My bloods were checked earlier in the year and all were okay. I’ve also spoken with a psychologist to see if this would help with the fatigue. I am so desperate to feel normal again, I am literally just existing. I’d be so grateful for any advice. Thank you.
Hi Aggie24
I remember you posting about this incredible fatigue a few months ago, and I’m sorry to see it doesn’t seem to have improved for you.
I mentioned last time I spoke with you that I was post menopausal at my diagnosis, so I don’t have experience of HRT, but have you ever seen a menopause specialist? I don’t think I’ve seen anyone in the group mention struggling with fatigue so far out from treatment itself. With an increased dose of anti depressants and being on HRT, I think I’d want to be getting answers about these two factors impacting on you, but it’s hard to know who you should speak to.
I do get tired very easily, but I also don’t sleep very well so I’m in a different kind of situation and that’s been ongoing since I had my exenteration surgery. I am also registered as disabled because of problems with my hip so I’m in a lot of pain daily which has a really bad impact on me, and can be exhausting.
Can you investigate via your gp if there are any specialists dealing with the menopause you could be referred to? I really hope you can find the right professional to help you as this must be really debilitating for you. Sorry I can’t be much help with this, but maybe others who can identify might come along and post.
Sarah xx
