Radiotherapy fatigue expectations

Going through breast cancer treatment Radiotherapy
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Hi all. Last bit of my treatment next week is 5 days of whole breast radiotherapy.

Everything and everybody says I will get fatigue for several weeks.

Is this stay in bed/sofa tired. Not being able to get my groceries, meet people for coffee sort of tired. Can’t read or sew?

Just trying to frame my expectations for the next few months.

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Hi @bluetit11

I had 5 days radio a couple of years ago now. I was told the effects peak two weeks after treatment and right on cue I had a weekend where I was really tired. I spent most of it on the sofa napping on and off, but it quickly passed and after that couple of days haven’t had any issues.

I hope it goes okay for you. x

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Thank you

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It affects different people differently I think. I worked throughout, but came home from work and had a nap most days for a couple of months. It may also depend on how long/difficult your journey to the hospital is. Mine was a straightforward 20 minute drive, but I know others on here who have to travel some distance

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Thanks.

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Not everyone gets fatigue - I did but I was also trying to deal with family problems and recover from a shoulder injury at the same time . For me it started 3 days after my 5 treatments had finished and was really bad for about 8 or 9 days but took 3 months to go properly . I had a very red and slightly swollen boob - I would say the redness peaked at two weeks. Xx

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Thanks

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I had 5 days of radiotherapy and didn’t have any fatigue from it at all . I went on a cycling holiday 10 days after I finished and was fine . Everyone is different so try just go with the flow .

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Hiya. I finished 15 sessions 10 days ago. Im off work atm so my days are quite relaxed and Im getting 8 or 9 hours sleep at night. I havent felt any fatigue given the above. I cleaned the house yesterday and felt restless in the afternoon so went for a brisk 45 minute walk. I have also reintroduced some dumbell workouts being careful with upper body weight. I kind of feel it helps to try and stay a little active, plus that helps you to sleep better. Xx

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Thank you hoping that’s me as father in law has surgery the week after my treatment!

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Thank you

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@bluetit11 I do wish you lots of luck with your radiotherapy, everyone is very different, I had 15 rounds and found it the easiest part of my treatment. Hopefully yours will be the same.

Fingers crossed for you hugs Tili :folded_hands::rainbow::folded_hands::rainbow:

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Thanks. I need to be able to drive a week following treatment as father in law has an op in a hospital 50miles away. :crossed_fingers:

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I had 15 sessions - and did not really notice fatigue at all. x

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I remember being a bit tired with RT but as you’re only having 5 days it should be manageable. It didn’t last too long. I think the really bad fatigue is experienced by people having 4-5 weeks of treatment. x

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Thanks

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Thank you

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I had five days of radiotherapy and really had no side-effects at all. A little bit of redness of the skin and that was all. Every person is different. Very best of luck!

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Good to know

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I had 20 rounds of radiotherapy in April and other than the area of my skin being zapped going red I wasn’t any more tired than usual…maybe after chemo nothing is as bad and that was why! The main annoyance with radiotherapy was the logistical side of having to go every day and travel there as I was working before and after, but give me that over oncology any day! :blush:

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