Ongoing fatigue

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Hello All - it's 18 months since I finished RT and chemo, all ENT examinations show no evidence of cancer. All good, but I am having episodes of extreme fatigue. Could just be age related (58), could be medication (nightly meds for restless leg syndrome). Not sure anyone knows how long post treatment fatigue can last. Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated

  • Hi and welcome. It could be radiation fatigue which can linger for months. It’s worth having your thyroid function tested as well. RT can damage the thyroid and leave your metabolism low. 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

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  • Hi I’m now Almost 4 years passed radiotherapy for tonsil cancer and I did have radiation fatigue for quite a good while in fact it’s only the last 15 months that I’ve stopped having a 20 minute power nap at every day for me that was the way I could handle it. It’s like a wave that  hits you. I do have my thyroid checked annually and touch wood it’s fine. I do know many who are now on thyroxine too regulate their thyroid. 
    hope thus helps. 
    Hazel 

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

    2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers 

    https://www.instagram.com/merckhealthcare/reel/DBs8Y0niJ8N/

  • I'm around 11 weeks post treatment 2 chemo sessions and 30 radiotherapy sessions. Swallowing muscles still weak so still dependant on Fortisips, dry mouth and minor pain in the mouth and jawline. All of that I can handle like a walk in the park. 

    However the fatigue is immense for me as well as frustrating. Some people have it for months others are doing the funky chicken straight after treatment. I'd defiantly ask your GP about if it could be you medication. Otherwise its a case of eating as healthy, drinking enough water, exercise which could  just mean a 20 minute walk(to increase metabolism and energy levels) and make sure that you take time to rest and get some quality sleep.  

    T4 N2 M0 left oropharyngeal SCC (grade 3, p16)