Fatigue months later

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Hi :slight_smile:

I had my last chemo for TNBC in Jan 2024, surgery Feb 2024, and radiotherapy May 2025. I’m 34 and have 2 kids (eldest is 5 and youngest is 20 months).

I went back to work in September 2024 and do have a flexible working contract in place, I work 20 hours a week that I try and do around having the kids. My partner works shifts, so I do end up having the kids on my own a lot.

Although my fatigue levels are better than this time last year, I was hoping my energy levels would have normalised by now. My fatigue has reached a point where some days I still have to nap in the day, I can only shower once/twice a week because standing in the shower really takes it out of me. I can’t trust myself to drive longer than 20/30 mins as I get so tired and lose concentration, our office is a 35 minute trip one way. I am allowed to work from home, but I am expected to try and get to the office, but I feel like I’m failing when I can’t even get there.

I’ve tried to call the GP for help regarding fatigue, but they don’t have an appointment until the 8th April for routine appointments. My blood work in October was normal, and I was kind of told that I would just have to deal with fatigue.

I think my main worry is I’m juggling a lot between work and the kids, that one just has to give. I want to be able to look after myself and eat healthily/exercise, but I just can’t stretch to it. Mentally it’s hard because I’m placing expectations on myself that I thought i would be able to manage now. I want to give up work so I can leave my energy for the kids, but I just can’t afford to.

I think I need to know, is cancer treatment related fatigue an official diagnosis in itself? Should I still be feeling this way?!

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With fatigue, the more you do, the more tired you get. Its telling that you cant face standing in the shower more than twice a week, yet you work and look after your children. Its cumulative, the more you do, the more tired you get. If you didnt take enough of a break between end of treatment and work, it could be that. Easier said than done, some people can take a full back seat to recuperate more than others, depends on options you have with family and friends. I had radiotherapy in August, and I know I still get down days where energy levels are low. Some days are better than others. Thats without having chemo or taking anti-hormone treatments. Given all youve been through, and all the responsibilities you are faced with, its not surprising. Consider if there are any strategies ( or people you can lean on) you can use to to lessen the load.

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Hi @entropy :wave:

Thank you for your reply, I think I was just hoping that by now I would have recovered a lot more than I have. I am able to physically do a lot more than before, but as you say with fatigue it’s cumulative, so I find I’m affected for days after. I don’t get help from friends/family, they all have their own lives, so it’s just my partner and me.

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Hi Yasmeink

Thanks for posting. It sounds a difficult time as you juggle work, home, kids and breast cancer treatment.

Its unsurprising you are still fatigued as @entropy says. Experiencing fatigue (extreme tiredness) after receiving treatment for breast cancer is very common. (We think your treatment finished in May 2024 rather than expecting it to finish in May 2025).

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Fatigue doesn’t always go away with rest or sleep and may affect you physically and emotionally. Many people find that they start to get their energy levels back as time passes after treatment, but for some fatigue can continue for months or sometimes years.

Other factors may also contribute to fatigue, such as: the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis; altered sleep patterns; reduced activity and poor diet. As you say you are trying but

can’t quite stretch to it at the moment. You are not alone in feeling this way.

We often hear from women that fatigue can have a real impact on their day-to-day life. It can be difficult to describe fatigue and other people may not always understand how you are feeling. They may assume that if you are back at work, you are back to normal and don’t understand the difference between tiredness and fatigue or be aware that it can continue after treatment has finished.

You may be interested in the Macmillan booklet Coping with fatigue (tiredness).

Our video about this might also be helpful. Facebook Live: Neuropathy and fatigue - February 2024

You explain that family and friends have their own lives but some are probably more than happy to help out if they knew how you were feeling.

Do speak to your treatment team for more support. It might be worth keeping the appointment with your GP in April so you know if things aren’t changing or improving you can talk it through with them then.

Also, It can sometimes help to share your experiences with others who may have been through something similar. We have a range of services you might be interested. This includes

Someone Like Me and our dedicated service for younger women (under 45).

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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Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.

Best wishes

Jane

Breast Care Nurse

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