Few weeks after completing radiotherapy feeling ok. Then couple of weeks ago pain and fatigue really kicking in ! Is this what to expect will it improve 
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Mine started a few days after finishing treatment but I was told that it actually reaches peak effect two weeks after finishing treatment and I have heard of people getting fatigue a few weeks or months down the line . The important thing is to be kind to yourself - drink plenty of water as it can dehydrate you and take some rest in the day if you need to. Radiotherapy causes the tissues to contract which might be causing the pain so you need to do the post-op arm exercises and I was told I needed to keep wearing a good supportive bra and if you’re worried contact your BCN . Xx
Hello jacq
Thanks for posting asking about the pain and fatigue you are experiencing after completing your radiotherapy treatment.
As @JoanneN says, it’s not uncommon for some people to experience side effects some weeks or months later. Fatigue and pain are common side effects of radiotherapy.
Experiencing fatigue (extreme tiredness) after receiving treatment for breast cancer is very common. It 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.
There are things you can try to help manage fatigue as discussed in the previous links. You may want to keep a diary to record when you feel most tired. This can help you plan activities you enjoy in the times when you have more energy. Trying to stay physically active can help. Eating a healthy well balanced diet is also important. The following tips for better sleep may also be helpful.
There are a few situations where fatigue can be due to other conditions such as anaemia, (too few red blood cells in the body) or thyroid problems so if your symptoms persist it’s important to speak to your treatment team or GP so they can rule them out.
For most people, pain usually improves within a few months, but some people do experience ongoing pain.
If you haven’t done so already, do talk to your breast care nurse or treatment team about your symptoms. It’s important they are aware of any side effects you’re experiencing and how they are affecting your daily life.
They can assess your symptoms and suggest ways to help manage and improve them.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
We offer a range of other free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
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
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
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