Radiotherapy combined with hormone therapy

The fatigue is a side effect of the radiotherapy and can build up the more sessions you have. Walking is good for you both physically and mentally so try and keep that going but maybe have a sit down for a few minutes during it. You are on the homeward streak with just over a week to go. Keep counting down the days. I do understand the extra difficulties staying away from home during treatment has as we had to cope with 7 weeks of it when my husband has had his radiotherapy. 

Hi Safeways,

My guess is that it's being away from home & your loved ones along with missing your normal routine that is making it harder for you to cope with the tiredness that's part & parcel of having RT.  Not only that, but at this time of year, the weather can play a big part, especially now the evenings are much longer & the sunshine seems to be missing.

The regular walks will actually be helping you but it's important that you don't push yourself too hard & overdo it.  Maybe a shorter walk in the morning & then another one after your daily treatment might be worth trying.  I used to allow myself a little treat each day after each session which was something to look forward to.  The good news is that you are nearly 3/4 of the way through, so not much longer to go.

Best Wishes

Brian

There is one thing that I can think of that might help.

I am no athlete. I ever want to be an athlete. If my better half were reading this, she would have hysterics.

I do know a couple of people who run marathons, (for FUN!!!!), and they say that there is always a point where you just want to give up. Both of them have told me that what keeps them going is their focus on the end result.

My intention is to apply that to my upcoming 37 fractions.

There are two other things I have found in my various encounters with depression in the past, which have helped me:

1. Visualising a successful end, and what I am going to do.
2. Go out for a walk, yes, but at this time of the year, when the dark closes in, try to go somewhere where there are lights and people.  Think about Petula Clark and the words of "Downtown" - yes, I am that old.

I wish you well.

Hi

The RT and HT both cause fatigue. The good news is the RT ends ( in my case) well before the HT. Once the RT has ended, the fatigue side effect will ease off. However, the fatigue caused by the HT, will continue until well after the HT ends.

Sounds like you are trying to exercise - which is good - as whatever you do will help. You may not feel like it- I didn't- but try and keep going. Getting outside, even if it's raining, can only help.

Regards

Stuart

Hi Safeways 

Mr BW became extremely tired halfway through RT, it lasted for about 10 days after the treatment ended and he then turned the corner started to pick up. It was a combination of the treatment , but also he felt that it was the stress and worry/ adrenaline used. A lot was focused on this end point of treatment and maybe it was his body and mind just letting go as he had reached the end of weeks of appointments and prep for this moment. Just give into it, you’ve had a lot on these past weeks. Let your body and mind rest. You will start to pick up after a couple of weeks. 
L

I've had 37 sessions of RT and got so fatigued after the first 20 I had to stop working. I just got so tired I couldn't do anything at work and would fall asleep at the desk. I did try and continue to exercise throughout the treatment, but my 30min daily exercise was the only thing I did in a day (apart from the actual treatment), I was in bed most of the rest of the day. Even going to the supermarket which is about 10 minutes walk was difficult and I'd have to stop mid-way to recover.

Do what you can, but let your body rest if it demands it. It can take a few weeks after RT for the extra fatigue to wear off, then you go back to 'only' the HT fatigue.

Good luck with the remaining week of treatment.

G