After effects of treatment

Hi all

First time posting but long time lurking and learning a lot from all the warriors on here :two_hearts:.

I’m getting frustrated - managed to work through a lot of my treatment but now struggling.

I had lumpectomy in April 2023, finished chemo on 3 Nov (4 EC and 12 Paclitaxel), finished radio at end of December (15 treatments) and phesgo 9 August. Currently on tamoxifen.

I thought I’d be feeling more myself now but I was really tired so went to docs last month and blood tests showed I was a little anaemic so given iron tablets. My tiredness seemed to be getting better but then hit with Covid on 25 Sept and now an awful head cold so currently feeling very run down.

Could this still be side effects of treatment or just unlucky?

Would multivitamins help? And can I take them?

Thank you for reading this far (sorry for war and peace) x

1 Like

Hello STGreen

Thanks for posting.

Many people are surprised at how emotional or frustrated they feel when their hospital based treatment for breast cancer finishes.

For many people, it’s not always ‘back to normal’. For some, it can mean leaving behind the routine and support they’ve become used to. Adapting to life after treatment can be difficult and often the need for information and support continues. Coping with the shock of a diagnosis, treatment and side effects, and worries about recurrence can make it difficult to readjust to everyday life again. Taking tamoxifen can also cause side effects in addition to all the treatment you have already had.

It’s good to read that you reported your tiredness to your GP and are taking iron tablets. Having Covid can also leave you feeling run down.

Some of the symptoms you are experiencing maybe because of your anaemia and recent Covid infection. However, it’s really common to feel tired during and after treatment for breast cancer. You may find it useful to read our information on fatigue.

You may be interested in our Moving Forward resources that are for people who have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have come to the end of their main hospital treatment within the last 2 years. They include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.

Through supportive, open conversations in a safe, confidential space, you’ll connect with people who understand. You’ll also find the tools you need to feel more empowered, confident and in control to begin to move forward with your life.

You can attend Moving Forward either at our face-to-face course or take part by joining online. Find a course near you or register for an online course via the links above or call us on 03457 077 1893.

You may also be interested in our Someone Like Me service. We’ll match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. They’ll be a phone call or email away to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen. It can be helpful to talk to someone about how they coped with the feelings you describe.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

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Best wishes

Carolyn

Breast Care Nurse

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