Fatigue After Treatment Ends

I was diagnosed with stage 3b ovarian cancer in 2002. I had a complete hysterectomy, 6 treatments with carboplatin and taxol then an additional 12 treatments with taxol. My treatments ended Nov. 2003. I feel tired a lot and am very frustrated. I was 35 when diagnosed and I feel I should have more energy by now. I have taken ritalin but that is just a temporary boost and something I don't want to rely on. Can anyone relate or have advice? My Dr. says it will take some time. It was a long haul for me. Thank you for your help.

Rhonda,

I followed the same treatment regimen you did and I agree that the fatigue lingers. But in my case, it did pass. I finished Taxol consolidation therapy in January 2003. I don't remember when I noticed the fatigue and leg pain had subsided, but it was late in 2003. Perhaps you're coming up on some relief. At least I hope so.

--Ruthlyn

You have to remember that you are also menopausal. this can contribute to fatigue.
please see the ways to counter fatigue recommended by Dr. Susan Love.

Hi Rhonda, I'm 1 yr out from finishing breast cancer treatment and I saw a nutritionist who specializes in oncology back in January. I too was feeling fatigued more than I expected and unable to focus at times. He recommended that I take 2 tsps of granulated lecithin twice a day. This was a great help in reducing stress during the day and giving me more energy. I've heard it described as "brain food". Another thing he recommended was L-glutamine. I take a small amount each day and it is supposed to clean out the waste build-up in my cells from chemo. I think both of these things have really helped. If you're concerned about taking supplements, maybe you could find a specialist in your area. I hope this helps and that you'll start feeling yourself again!
Michele

Hi Rhonda, I'm 1 yr out from finishing breast cancer treatment and I saw a nutritionist who specializes in oncology back in January. I too was feeling fatigued more than I expected and unable to focus at times. He recommended that I take 2 tsps of granulated lecithin twice a day. This was a great help in reducing stress during the day and giving me more energy. I've heard it described as "brain food". Another thing he recommended was L-glutamine. I take a small amount each day and it is supposed to clean out the waste build-up in my cells from chemo. I think both of these things have really helped. If you're concerned about taking supplements, maybe you could find a specialist in your area. I hope this helps and that you'll start feeling yourself again!
Michele

I want to thank everyone who responded to my letter. Your information is very helpful to me and gives me hope that there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you and God Bless,

Rhonda

I am 38 was diagnosed with Breast cancer in Aug. 04.
I have been through chemo, surgery, chemo again at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Cancer Treatment Centers of America). This has thrown me in to early menopause.
Now locally I'm just finishing up with my radiation.
I exercise 3 - 4 times a week and I work full time and I’m on the move all day long. I also take all of the supplements my Naturopath recommended.
I too have found that I'm tired and achy all the time not to mention that I have gained 15 pounds even though I am active.
I am frustrated that I can't seem to get over this and get back to feeling "my self" again.
My question is it safe to take granulated lecithin? I thought that pre-menopausal women with breast cancer needed to avoid soy based products. Am I mistaken?
Thank you so much for any input that you have.
Lorie

Hi Rhonda,

I just finished the exact treatment you had. I can hardly get out of bed I'm so tired. Just wondering how you're doing now, and wonder how long I might expect this fatigue. Thanks
--- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ----