Hello. I am now 6 mths post bmx and siea flap reconstruction. I have been v fortunate not to need any chemo. I had a lot of complications post op with abdo seromas and wound breakdown. I recently returned to work and am just finishing a phased return. The main issue is total fatigue. Even if I get 9 hr sleep I wake up feeling exhausted as if I’ve been up all night. I’m exercising, trying to do couch potato to 10 k for maggies cancer centres but it doesn’t help. My haemoglobin was 8 and is now normal. Is this normal? Surely I should feel great by now? I feel like a moaning minny at home. I could happily spend all day in bed. I eat well , lots of protein , and don’t drink or smoke. X
Hi Shuna72
Whilst you are waiting for the other users to reply you might find it useful to talk things through with a memeber of staff on the BCC helpline. Here you can share your thoughts and concerns with someone who will offer you a listening ear as well as support and practical information. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and lines are open weekdays 9 to 5pm and Saturday 10 to 2pm.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Shauna,
You have been through a lot in 6 months. I’m 5 months since diagnosis and have had a much easier time of surgery etc than you and I’m telling myself to have some proper rest days when needed.
I can’t help regarding the blood levels etc but with regards to the training.
If you really are starting from a ‘no previous running/exercise’ base then I would suggest you might be trying to do the run bits too fast.
Most ‘new’ runners think they need to RUN but really it’s all about getting out and keeping very close to comfortable in the ‘running’ bits.
How many days/ weeks into the plan are you?
Drop me a pm if you want any advice on how you are doing (I’ve 4 marathons under my belt and am training for a 100k (62 miles!!) in July)
Hi Shauna,
My fatigue was all consuming, and my return to work prolonged. It has improved, but only with my listening to my body and being kind and forgiving when i cant keep up.
My peeps just give me that knowing look as i either wake up on the sofa, or slope off to bed around 9pm…
Looking back i see how far i have come, and will keep plodding on.
Best wishes
LL xx
Hi Judith
I’m on wk 6 of 0-10k. Yest I did 5 min walk, 8 min run, 5 min walk, 8 min run and 5 min cool down. Is that ok?its a14 week programme. I was quite fit before hand but not a runner . You sound vv fit! X
Hi Lexilou
Thank you. I think I should feel great. I did listen to my body and went to bed 3-5 on wed and felt so much better afterwards. Maybe I’m expecting of myself x
Hi Jenny
Thank you for your lovely message. My bcn is non existent, a huge disappointment. I did go into Maggies cancer centre on tu after tattoos and they invited me to a look good feel better session which I think I’ll go to. It’s helpful to know I’m not mad and maybe expecting too much of myself. I feel that I only ever say " I’m tired" when people ask me how I am! Lots of breaks seems good advice. I’m definitely more tired since going back to work and not resting enough on days at home. Impressed about your walking! Has your fatigue resolved itself? Xx