Post Radiation Fatigue

Hi

i was told by my oncologist that the effects of radiotherapy (fatigue) can worsen for the two weeks after completing and then you will start to feel better. For me I was lucky and it was about a week, so much so oncologist wanted me to start chemo earlier than planned…I said No.  Hang in there and hopefully you will start improving soon.

Thank you Waidh, I'm just feeling sorry for myself. Hopefully I will feel different tomorrow x

You are allowed to feel sorry for yourself! I wasn’t at my best this am, but then went out for a walk. I know you don’t feel up to much but it may help. I have a new app which identifies birds, and recorded 16 different types this am, it adds a bit more to the walk. Hope you do start feeling improvements soon x

Hi

It is normal to have fatigue after treatment and it is normal to feel like it is getting worse for a bit until it gets better. 

Radiotherapy does not only damage any cancer cells, it can also affect the normal cells. Whereas the cancer cells do not recover- the normal cells need time to recover and for things to repair. 

I also found there was an emotional side- after going through all the treatment- it can sometimes be when the treatment stops that you have time to process and think about everything. I also found I was physically tired from all the travelling to and from the hospital. 

I understand that you feel like you are going stir crazy and I know for me I just wanted to get back to normal and do normal things. It was frustrating to have to pace myself and give myself time to recover. 

Doing housework is also being active and I also remember having a lie down after doing it for the first couple of months. 

Another thing that can affect fatigue is diet. I was on a limited diet during radiotherapy and afterwards due to side effects. It took time for my bloods to return to a more normal level. It may be worth asking for routine bloods to be done, if things do not start to steadily improve- just in case your haemoglobin etc is a bit low.

You mention that no one can drive- I wonder whether you could perhaps share a taxi or something just to pop a bit further afield. I am not sure where you are but they have community transport where I live and they have mini buses that will pick you up from home or nearby. They also have community cars where volunteers offer a low cost taxi equivalent. 

One thing I did find with the fatigue is that it can be worse if you fight it and try to push through it. Better to do shorter periods of activity and then build in rest periods around it. 

Tiredness (fatigue) and cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support

Jane

Hi Jackie, it’s normal to feel tired after treatment has finished, purely because of a reaction to the fact that it’s over, and the whole mental adjustment to that. That will pass! I’m wondering though what you mean by “heavy housework” - I’d suggest it’s quite early days to be doing anything strenous. Hopefully you will enjoy your holiday more as you’ll have more energy not doing housework! 

Thank you x

Hey, i thought id look to see of you had updated lately. Sorry to see you have been struggling. We are both at the peak at the moment. 

Fatigue is definitely hard. I've just come back from a 5 day break (uk) after finishing my brachy last Tuesday and I really enjoyed the break. We hung out in a lodge, we couldnt venture out properly due to my ongoing bowel issues but Just being not at home, having a few 15 minutes walks a day  was lovely and just what me and my other half needed. I did have afternoon naps every day as I was exhausted. 

On a positive it can only get better from here

Thank you Jane and yes, I know I must slow down. The emotional bit is pretty bad for me but I'm lucky enough to have been given 6 therapy sessions and I'm reading a great book called The Compassionate Mind which teaches me not to be hard on myself. 

Thank you MarmiteFan

Well I must admit I was trying to declutter a bedroom. It was heavy going and I learned my lesson. 

I'm OK cooking or washing up so that's what I'll stick too. 

Hi Michelle,

Did yor brachy go OK?

Nice to hear you went away. We are going on Sunday, to Scarborough. We're going on the train from London and I'm hoping I won't be too tired to walk along the beach, eat fish and chips and visit the charity shops.