A quick question for the collective

Hi mention to team at yiur next appointment. But yes sounds like radiation fatigue all,I did was listen to my body and became the queen of 20  min Power Nap. The fatigue can’t be ignored if you fight it it gets worse. I was keeping myself for walking and cycling eating as well as I could but the fatigue like a wave. It does eventually go and it’s extremely rare I need a nap nowdays and if I do I go. 
adry mouth can ne with us forever I’ve still,got that but it’s manageable to the effect I don’t really notice in the daytime. Nighttime it’s z1/2 a xyimelt and I’m sorted. 
Hazel x

BL755 said:

   However I'm still feeling tired at times and my energy levels fluctuate quite a bit ( I do swim al least twice a week and walk the dog), my jaw aches when I eat sometimes and my neck seems to always feel a bit stiff. Any one else still getting these symptoms ?

Hi BL755 

Hazel has nailed it

The aches and stiffness may be the onset of scar tissue ( fibrosis) 

I will add that fibrosis after RT is a lifelong risk and you should be doing your neck jaw and swallow exercises for life to prevent your seizing up. 

Hi BL755 six months into recovery isn't that long really, your body has a lot of healing to do, which takes time. You will have ups and downs along the way. Even now after nearly 7 years post treatment, I get a sore throat from time to time, also food can sometimes taste different one day to the next, so it is a long process, just give yourself the time, you will get there.

Ray.   

Hi BL

16 months post CRT and I still get niggles weekly, I manage dry mouth with Biotene and hydration, fatigue hits out of the blue, little twinges of pain here and there are worrying but regular oncology and dental checks put my mind at rest....we have been shot up pretty badly so some residual pain can be expected, I still manage some golf and swimming ...so glad that I am able to do so.

Peter

I recognise what you are experiencing.  9 months post CRT and I still get fatigued and my jaw does get quite "tired" when chewing.  Keep up the swimming and walking.  There are few studies into radiation fatigue, but the suggestion is that the only effective control mechanism is exercise - so you are on the right track.  Just listen to your body and have a rest if needed.  It is better to rest when your battery is half empty rather than when you are totally exhausted.

Thanks for the replies, glad to see I'm not just over reacting itsxa long journey I guess 

Hi BL755

Great advice from everyone. Also just get your thyroid checked as this can be affected by radiotherapy and lead to fatigue on top of the radiation fatigue.

Lyn

Sophie66 said:

Also just get your thyroid checked as this can be affected by radiotherapy

Absolutely … thanks Lyn for adding that. I  just answered a question on Lhermitte’s sign. There is so much we end up having to find out for ourselves. Thank heavens for this community 

Hi Dani

I had never heard of Lhermitte's sign so that was a revelation to me. I would have thought that the G.P. might have heard of it but it is never too late to educate them. I find my G.P. who is lovely has limited info on my cancer and side effects and is always interested to learn more. It might help the next person.

Lyn