Work Exhaustion

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I’ve been experiencing some extreme exhaustion during my working day. My ability to concentrate drops sharply, and I struggle to maintain focus, process information, and participate effectively in meetings. I find myself mentally fading, losing track of the discussion, and needing significantly more effort to stay engaged.

This isn’t something I’ve felt able to admit, but it has reached a point where I’m genuinely struggling.This level of fatigue is affecting my confidence and my ability to perform at the standard I expect of myself, ultimately causing me additional stress.

I’m taking ribociclib, letrozole and zoladex for secondary breast cancer. I work from home, predominantly desk work between 9 and 5. I’m not sure I can keep working like this but also can’t see a solution.

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Hi

I have also been suffering with fatigue at work and my hours are 9-5 too. I have made the decision to reduce my hours as the stress and fatigue are getting too much. I contacted McMillan and they arranged a telephone appointment to discuss my finances if that’s of any help.

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Hello @ceitak

My treatment was 6 month of chemo then mastectomies. During this i was off work. I did a phased return which helped and slowly increased my hours. I platowed at 6 per day so I ended up reducing my hours from full time. My start time is flexible as some days are alot harder than others and the energy just isnt there.

Last year i dropped.another day as i felt i was struggling over5 days. This gives me a better work /life balance.

It’s been 5 years now and I am so much better than I was. Even in the last year I am so much improved from last year. I put this down to my magnetic bracelet for energy. Vitamin D Pearls supplements. The food I eat and when after reading Hack Your Hormones. By Davinia Taylor. I understand more now about what encourages cortisol, melatonin etc

Sitting all day is another struggle. I have a standing desk at work and go for regular walks around the corridors and out at lunch time for the extra vitaminD and fresh air boost. This helps keep me going.

Little things can make big changes. Hope you find yours

Look after and be kind to yourself xxxx

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I manage a team and we all work from home a lot. I actively encourage my workers to take time away from their desks as it is so easy to bounce from one Teams meeting to the next and suddenly you’ve been sat in the same place for eight hours without a proper break. Even though I don’t have extreme fatigue I definitely notice I am groggy and lack focus by the afternoon on days where I haven’t been to the gym before work or have had to travel in more than one day in a row. My boss knows this and so if I feel I need to go for a walk then I step away for a while, no questions asked, and the same applies to my team.

You say you haven’t wanted to admit you are struggling but maybe you could discuss with your manager and perhaps request an OH referral?

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Have you talked to you breast care team? I don’t know about the other 2 meds but fatigue is a side effect of Letrozole and you might be able to swap it for a different AI and feel better? It’s worth asking.

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Hi @ceitak,

Thanks for posting. It sounds as though you are really struggling trying to work while living with secondary breast cancer. Taking ribociclib, letrozole and having Zoladex can all contribute to the symptoms you describe, and experiencing fatigue is common. Our information about living with ongoing fatigue may be helpful to read.

You can read the responses to your forum post from @nhs1970, @Ahbc21, @southwest123 and @bluetit11 who have all suffered with fatigue and have given some suggestions to try and improve this. You may also find our information about work and breast cancer useful to read. Macmillan Cancer Support also have information about how cancer can impact your work life.

If you haven’t already do speak to your manager or the HR department (if you have one) about the difficulties you are having. It may be possible for them to make reasonable adjustments to your work life. Do also talk to your treatment team about how you are feeling.

You may also be interested in our Living with Secondary Breast Cancer services. These are facilitated by trained counsellors to help you find the support you need, in person or online. However you choose to access a service, you’ll be able to talk, listen and learn with people who understand the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings. You may also find our session about working whilst living with secondary breast cancer useful. This is scheduled for 13th August 2026. Details about how to register can be found in the previous link.

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 additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

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Best wishes,

Carolyn

Breast Care Nurse

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