How to Manage Fatigue During Breast Cancer? All You Need to Know

[@goldyfishls]

Knowing this is a part of it and is normal helps. Giving myself grace and realizing this is for a time and it will get better helps. When I am totally fatigued I love to listen to an audio book and lay down closing my eyes. It rejuvenates me enough to get through the day. If I sleep much during the day I seem to not sleep during the night. Luckily my family gives me the grace to rest and has stepped up for me. Its also important to be honest with your doctor and see if they have things that can help.

[@yerbba]

It's wonderful that you've found ways to manage fatigue and keep your spirits up, like listening to audiobooks. Your approach of giving yourself grace and maintaining open communication with your doctor are key strategies in managing this phase of your treatment. It's also great to hear that your family is so supportive, providing you with the space and understanding you need. Thank you for sharing your experience with the Yerbba community!

[@sue8319]

Most informative , 2 lumpectomies, 23 sessions radiation. Your correct, sleep doesn’t help I resent no energy. Non smoker non drinker. Thank you

[@yerbba]

Wishing you a smooth return to normal. Happy this was helpful.

[@gailgibbons9334]

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. I have been going through breast cancer for the last 5 years, cleared after two then a yeaar freeand two years ago back full on secondary brest cancer...6 tumours now 14................................this video has given me so much help.........................

[@yerbba]

You've shown incredible resilience throughout your journey, facing each challenge with strength and courage. We're so glad to hear that the video has provided you with some help and support. Thank you for watching.

[@manuelahill9793]

Thank you very much for your video. I had cirurgy five years ago, 4 weeks of radiotherapy and am on Letrozol and should be for 3 more years at least. I am 74 years old and at the time my husband was already with dementia and did not understand my illness. I did everything on my own, supported him the best I could until last October when he died. Just this last year I feel huge fatigue… everything I do is with big effort. Do you think it could be from Letrozol ? I also took zoledronic acid. Thank you

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. It is so easy to see why you are fatigued…being a caretaker, experiencing the death of your husband, having to go through your breast cancer experience alone…all of these things are more likely to contribute to your fatigue than the letrozole. It is, of course, worth discussing with your medical team.

[@rosicler13]

I am so sorry to hear that. There is always hope. Keep fighting. Your breast cancer journey is very inspiring. I’ve watched all your videos since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sending you healing thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏻💗🙏🏻

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching. We appreciate your supportive message to the Yerbba community!

[@nancydegeorge1143]

After my 2nd chemo dose I told the oncologist about the overwhelming fatigue I suffered for 6-7 days afterwards. I spent most of those days sleeping. I felt the life was draining out of my body. I couldn't remember things. He decided to cut my medication by 25%. I wasn't happy as I thought that was somehow going to lessen the effectiveness of the treatment but Dr said that kind of fatigue is quite dangerous. Now after having the lower dose my bad fatigue is only for about 3 days. Not a week. So I believe it was the right decision now.

[@asiapersonalable]

I always notice when a person haven’t experienced the symptoms personally. I have difficulties just to take care of myself after hormonal meds. It’s not just menopause. It make you sick everyday and fatigue doesn’t go no-mater how much you rest. It’s so insensitive to throw a solution like excuses when everything I do I have to force myself to do. Even the things I like to do I don’t have energy to do.

[@yerbba]

You are so right. People really don't understand how you feel with really anything to be honest. People with all sorts of conditions have said the same to us. For example, people with migraine headaches often feel alone and distrusted, people with depression are told to "cheer up" (not helpful), and cancer-related fatigue is another one of those things that people absolutely do not understand if they haven't had it. It may be worthwhile for you to talk with your medical team about being evaluated for the fatigue as there are many things that could be going on (thyroid disease, anemia, etc.). Wishing you the best, and thank you for writing.

[@LSNaturals-c3w]

I totally understand what you’re going through. I have similar problems. Life has never gone back to normal.

[@IreneRattray]

Yes, chemo causes permanent heart damage, neuropathy are life long. The lady sugar coats. Many people who have hormone blockers have quality of life issues. I understand why HR Receptors breast cancer patients they give up the hormone blocker.

[@cindy-ry3kp]

Thank you. I like setting realistic expectations for daily activities, and getting outside every day to walk, even if just for a few minutes. I too can sleep an afternoon away. Im really struggling to fix food. I just cant rally the energy to stand and fix meals, so sometimes end up just drinking Ensure so ill get enough protein.

[@yerbba]

Setting realistic expectations and incorporating daily walks are excellent strategies for maintaining a sense of routine and well-being. It's understandable that energy levels can fluctuate during treatment, making meal preparation challenging. If you find it helpful, consider exploring easy-to-prepare and nutritious meal options or reaching out to friends and family for assistance with meal preparation. Prioritizing your well-being is crucial, and it's okay to ask for support during this time. Thank you for watching.

[@Barbara-ex3ge]

Thank you once again for a very informative and helpful video. What I’m finding difficult now is that having completed chemo and had surgery (sentinel node biopsy negative and complete response to chemo) my husband thinks I am now fully recovered - despite only having surgery a few weeks ago and I have 14 cycles of Herceptin. I have felt fatigued since my first chemo cycle. As you suggest he has no idea what it’s like and I wish as much as he does I’m up for a 20km bike ride. Luckily I have a good support network of family and friends😔

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. The people who love us often wish things would go "back to normal." They want their partners to recover as a way, we believe, of ignoring the threat to their loved one's life. Your husband may be managing his fear about your wellbeing through denial. In any event, we're happy you have other supportive people. It may be helpful to have your husband get into a support group for partners to hear about other people's experiences with fatigue in their partners. Finally, a heart-to-heart with him over a meal about your observations, your feelings and needs, and a request that he take your fatigue seriously may go a long way. You could also have him watch this video.

[@kellymacd6313]

I have the same problem, and the same situation....need another 11 rounds of Herceptin (after finishing chemo 6 weeks ago), had breast surgery just a few days ago, radiation up next. My husband keeps saying "I don't want to tire you out..." but then plans these marathon walks, with side trips included.

[@susiepingleton3614]

So excited to see you doing this video! My care plan I did for myself (I am an RN). I do a good prayer time very early in the morning along with Bible study. When finished, I put on my great walking shoes and go walking! Deep breathing! Later in the day, I do my sit-ups, weights, and stretches. I garden as well. After showering, I put my makeup on because it helps me!! I will eat a high protein meal and fruit! If I feel like going to a store….I do it! By 2pm I am ready to rest. I watch a movie, I read, and I just finished a new painting! I also am getting full body massage once a week! Get going and know we can improve! I am stage lll breast cancer 4 years out! Anastrozole is the only Med I take. Fatigue has been horrible along with arthralgia.

[@yerbba]

Thank you so much for sharing your routine and how you cope with life after cancer and during treatment. It would be worth talking with your medical team about your fatigue.

[@susiepingleton3614]

@@yerbba oh I do every appointment x 4 years. Now, I realize as an RN, it is up to me.

[@sharondwyer8513]

My bc fatigue is crazy for the past 2 days. I have surgery on the 18th and radiation to follow 😢 God help me

[@yerbba]

That level of fatigue is so tough, especially with surgery and radiation coming up. Sending you lots of strength as you prepare for the next steps in your treatment.

[@sharondwyer8513]

@@yerbba Thank you. Had lumpectomy today and so far minimal pain and discomfort (knock on wood)

[@sathyanarayan37]

Very true recommendations from professional doctor

[@yerbba]

Thanks for watching and the positive feedback.

[@chrissy5890]

Very useful and interesting presentation. I have had fatigue issues for some years ... I am B12 deficient, was diagnosed with Breast cancer at the end of 2022 and am now on tamoxifen. This went a long way to explaining how I feel.

[@andreamcknight1155]

How are u doing on the tamoxifen?

[@andreamcknight1155]

I was diagnosed with breast cancer March 2023 and will be on tamoxifen soon after radiation.

[@chrissy5890]

@@andreamcknight1155 Better thanks, although I still have significant fatigue. I was on Letrozole, then Exemestane before and the fatigue was extreme. Not sure how the Tamoxifen will pan out though when my next B12 injection is due.

[@chrissy5890]

@@andreamcknight1155 I hope that the fatigue is not such an issue for you. Take care!

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the Yerbba community. We appreciate you taking the time to write.

[@IreneRattray]

Fatigue is a result of damage from chemo chemicals and radiation.

[@yerbba]

We don't actually know exactly how radiation therapy and chemotherapy cause fatigue. It is likely that the body produces cytokines (normal chemicals) in response to treatments.

[@carolbraswell4488]

That was very helpful!! Cancer can really zap all your energy right out of you!! I love to swim, but starting radiation in September, I'm afraid the chlorine in the pool will burn my skin worse! Should I avoid swimming until radiation is over?

[@yerbba]

In general, there is not enough chlorine to cause skin damage, but check first with your medical team.

[@ivonalatu4363]

Swimming not recommended. I've seen it somewhere

[@sjeffords9303]

Love these videos. So informative and your presentation style is so comforting and soothing. I have Stage IV MBC w/ bone mets and am on endocrine treatment. I have major issues with fatigue. I also have normocytic anemia and understand this is common in people with mbc. Would really appreciate a video about anemia related to disease and treatment, and how it should be treated. Thanks again for these very informative videos.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the suggestion. We will add it to our list.

[@sakshampathak9019]

How was your recent pet scans ? I hope you are recovering ❤️‍🩹

[@numbersvibrations]

I’m trying to understand how to survive diarrhea and vomiting first. I’ll get to fatigue after.

[@yerbba]

We're so sorry you're struggling with diarrhea and vomiting. Managing these side effects is tough, but staying hydrated and discussing medications with your doctor can help. It is essential to let your medical team know about your side effects either before your next treatment or at that first visit. Many patients do not convey the intensity of their symptoms because they don't want to be a "complainer" (it's not complaining, it's reporting) or because they want to be a "good patient." It is not your job to be a good patient. Your team can most definitely improve your experience but only if they know just how bad it is. We hope our videos provide some management tips.

[@shathaomar1516]

I am almost 8 weeks post operation and each day I feel something different. One day I am fine and the other day I am so sick and tired, with my whole body is in pain. My period comes little with brown discharge, my back pains. So each day I have a different feeling

[@yerbba]

It’s completely normal to experience a range of feelings and physical symptoms after your surgery. Your body is going through a lot of changes and healing. It’s important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, as they can help manage any concerns. Take care of yourself and give yourself the time you need to heal.

[@shathaomar1516]

@@yerbba Thank you so much

[@silvana11221122]

i have overwhelming tiredness i had the zoledronic acid second time ... not for cancer ... but i am physically tired.. but i work full time and i am fit ... its 8 weeks in now. i have found this very interesting video thanks for making this

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching. A lot of people find that the side effects of zolendronic acid improve with subsequent treatments. Wishing you the best.

[@SofiaAhmad-rp8sm]

Thank you for the informative video

[@yerbba]

We are glad you found this video helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@eugeniatorres9064]

Thank you very much for your medical good tips .Amen.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and your positive feedback. Yerbba appreciates you!

[@DC-xw4ln]

Can cancer itself cause fatigue before diagnosis or treatment?

[@yerbba]

Great question. Cancer itself can cause fatigue even before diagnosis or treatment. This fatigue is often due to the body's response to the cancer and can be one of the early symptoms. People can also feel exhausted because they are not sleeping well and have an emotional response to the diagnosis. There are other things that can cause fatigue that can co-occur with cancer, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea, etc.

[@robinmccutcheon768]

Excellent excellent info. Thank you.

[@yerbba]

We're glad you found this video helpful. Thank you for watching!

[@tamb9154]

Very informative! thank you!

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching. We appreciate the positive feedback!

[@samanthaesra4035]

Dear Doctor. I'm on my second chemo only and have great fatigue on the second day. Thank you for all your videos.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience. Fatigue during chemo can be challenging, especially early on. We’re glad our videos have provided some support.

[@LotusRyu]

I've read a lot about Wellness centers which use therapies such as vitamin C, Hyperbaric chambers, red light treatments etc in conjunction with standard treatment. I would love your opinion on these and if there are more stem cell specific targetd chemos. I hope it makes sense. Will have my first chemo in a week

[@yerbba]

This does make sense, yes. While these types of centers are appealing for many reasons, there is no evidence to support any of these treatments in the vast majority of situations.

[@irejomany336]

I had my breast surgery last august 2022 and undergo series of treatment. In my this month I notice lympnodes between my pectoralis major and minor muscles. What could be the cause of lympnodes?😢

[@yerbba]

Thank you for writing. Without being able to examine someone, it is hard to know the cause of the enlarged lymph nodes. This is worth bringing to the attention of your medical team.

[@ivonalatu4363]

Thanks so much Dr.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and your comment. We appreciate your support.

[@krakraichbinda]

I remember my mum having a chemotherapy in the breast cancer. That explains everything.

[@yerbba]

We hope this video was helpful.

[@Nicky411]

I wonder if magnesium is helpful to help treat the fatigue.

[@yerbba]

Some people have tried magnesium and have not consistently found benefit. In people on diuretics that can lead to loss of magnesium, magnesium supplementation would be appropriate after a consultation with one's physician.

[@zalieofwtaiwanOTO019]

Thanks for sharing ❤

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and being part of our Yerbba community!

[@naththomas9946]

Thank you, for your educational and medical material.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for your ongoing support!

[@michelle_sea_view]

💛

[@yerbba]

Thanks for watching!

[@gail9906]

Im asleep every morning and afternoon and night. 3 sessions of radiation to go. When Im tired I have nothing left in the tank. I feel the last drop of energy leave my body! 😴❤️🇦🇺🦘

[@yerbba]

We're sorry to hear that you're feeling so fatigued, especially with three more sessions of radiation to go. Try to listen to your body and rest when needed. Gentle activities like short walks or light stretching may also help alleviate some fatigue. Additionally, we have a video on managing fatigue during breast cancer that might offer some insights: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6Tch36Dg7h2idU.