I am just on my last week of 3 weeks of radiotherapy. The fatigue is really kicking in. Sore breast, aching bones, itching. I cant be bothered with anything, I just want to sit and do nothing. Its so not like me. The problem I have is that, as no-one can see anything physical going on like a huge plaster in an obvious area, I think there are some in my life who dont really believe there is any suffering going and that they think I am making it up. These “people” would be my work colleagues. I just cant go to work at the moment because I cant bear the stress that comes with my job. So I feel horribly guilty…
P.S. my whole family are lovely about this, however I do feel alone with it
That sounds about right for the point you are at in your rads. Are you taking in enough fluid as that will help with dehydration and fatigue from the effects of the radiotherapy
Yes it is not as if we have something that people can see to show what we have been through, short of showing everyone your scars which might not go down very welll :) Stop feeling guilty about not going back to work, you will know when you are ready, you need to start thinking about you, you have been through so much and you are so nearly at the end of your journey with active treatment.
Big hugs to you gilleyb, i kind of know how you feel , i finished rads a week ago, i expected to feel fantastic, because im moving on, my body doesnt feel like that, im sore, and pissed of at being sore which is getting me down, i have no energy, just want to sleep, and the thought of dealing with work, is more than i can think about right now, i think this is all totally normal, we been on a rollercoaster , its coming to an end, and are minds are absorbing it all, ive taken a little time for myself to get of this rollercoaster and recover and feel better in mind and body, hope you feel better soon, big hugs xx
hi gilley please dont feel guilty about how tired and fatigued you feel people who have not been through this just dont understand or get it ive still got 6 more rads to go through and im allready suffering badly from fatigue i cant even stand up sometimes i get so fatigued ,drink lots of water eat well and rest lots dont worry what people think this is a time when you realize who you real friends are ,stay strong it will get better and i send you hugs and take care dont go back to work until you ready do it for you xx
You have nothing to feel guilty about! It’s your colleagues that should feel guilty, for not supporting you.
It’s perfectly normal to feel tired at this stage and unfortunately this will carry on for a few more weeks yet. Don’t fight it, just rest and sleep as much as you need. Also, as Helena says, drink at least 2 litres a day, which will help with the tiredness.
If you are able, take time off work, and look after yourself.
Be 100% yourself and make sure you look after No1 and don’t worry whether other people believe you or not. I’m sure if they were going thorough what your body is going I’m sure you would hear a different story and they would want all the attention with TLC. I am nearly ar the end of my three week session, perhaps I have been lucky and not had problems with work colleagues, as I chose who I wanted to tell and the others can mind they own business.
:) Stop feeling guilty about not going back to work, you will know when you are ready, you need to start thinking about you, you have been through so much and you are so nearly at the end of your journey with active treatment.