Fatigue post treatment

DoreenLouise

I'm 7 1/2 years post treatment that consisted of chemo for 6 months, modified mastectomy, re-excision to clear margins and 3 months of radiation. I often wonder if I am tired often because I'm 63, have Hashimato's disease (a thyroid condition) and Chronic Ebstein Barr Virus that was diagnosed 40 years ago or if it's due to my treatment. Thankfully, I am able to do most everything I want with a rest between activities. 2 cups of coffee and one cup of green tea help rejuvenate me. What helps others overcome fatigue?

2943

I stopped taking shortly after turning 1. I started taking them after starting the various treatments. My body wants a nap to fight the uglies! Sometimes I drink more coffee and other times stretch out and close my eyes. It is ok!!! Hugs

Carool

I LIVE for naps!

Bug

I love naps, too.

DoreenLouise

Yes, naps help. I limit them to 45 minutes if I'm really tired after doing strenuous activities such as mowing the grass by setting an alarm. Otherwise, I take a power nap for 20 minutes. I've read medical literature that naps longer than 45 minutes are not good. There's a relationship between long naps and Alzheimer's.

judithj

Heavens Doreen Louise - you and your body have been through the wringer!
Please give yourself permission to be tired. If you are still working, a 20 minute rest works wonders, MAKE a place where you can sit/lean and have quiet.
Nap breaks if you're not working followed by something you love or could look forward to. A pizza, pruning that pesky branch that keeps hitting you when you walk by, cleaning that drawer - you know, the one that holds everything, watching a movie, write/text a friend.
I can't say we've all been where you are but this group understands. We're with you.

MarcieB

Yep, I think we all can relate. I can go at full speed without realizing it until my body says, "That's all." Then I have to nap. I rarely go longer than 20 minutes, I don't set an alarm I just set my brain and it seems to work! But, to be honest, every once in a while I have a day when I am just plain fatigued. Not because I have been doing a lot...just because. I give into it and read and doze. Then I usually get a second wind after dinner. Of course, getting older may have something to do with it too, you think? ;-)

hscancer

It's been almost two years post treatment, chemotherapy and radiation, for me, but I am fatigued often, too. Green tea in the afternoon with a small snack helps, but a nap is also necessary some days. I have to set an alarm or I sleep too long.

DoreenLouise

I agree with MarcieB's statement that my fatigue is most likely due to my age. On this past Saturday, I mowed my neighbor's grass, took a short rest, then mowed my yard. When I first completed treatment, I mowed the front yard one day and the back yard another day because of fatigue. Like hscancer, I drink one cup of green tea in the afternoon with fresh lemon and about 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil.

The following was copied form healthline.com:

Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides that have strong antiviral, antifungal, and antibiotic properties, all of which can promote healing and help prevent secondary infections in wounds caused by viral infections.

Ashera

Naps, consistent sleep schedule year round. My SleepNumber bed I splurged on a year ago!
2 strong cups of coffee every morning. Listening to my body - when it wants to be horizontal - I obey! Pacing my expenditures of energy. If I wash/dry/fold/put away 4 loads of laundry - the rest of the day is spent with a book.
Seem to have most energy in the morning - I get up really early and get a lot done. But that listening to my body is the best thing for me. Listening...NOT....arguing!!!

DoreenLouise

I agree Ashera, listening to my body and resting when I'm tired. 2 cups of coffee in the morning and one cup of green tea in the afternoon are my daily routine. I will have a fourth cup of either coffee or tea on rare occasions.

The following was copied from healthline.com:

Green tea is touted to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet.

It’s loaded with antioxidants that have many health benefits, which may include:

improved brain function
fat loss
protecting against cancer
lowering the risk of heart disease

I have an adjustable bed for both the top and bottom that also vibrates. I highly recommend the purchase as it provides me with much relief from pain when using the vibrating mode. It's comfortable to sit up in bed and read, do paperwork and watch TV. Being able to raise the leg/feet portion has been helpful when I've injured my foot or leg.

hscancer

DoreenLouise - your bed sounds wonderful. The benefit of green tea over coffee is that while it has caffeine, it also has theanine which has a calming effect. I drink coffee in the morning, but will often drink green tea after dinner because it doesn't cause insomnia. Also from healthline:

https://www.healthline.com/health/l-theanine

MarcieB

I love this green tea information! I am adding it to my routine for sure. It occurs to me that many of us may also have some habits that could be helpful to others? I eat two raw almonds a day. I once heard that a famous psychic said two almonds a day prevents cancer. I wouldn't say for sure that was true (I don't put a lot of faith in psychics), but there are good reasons to support it's benefits - and it's certainly not hard to do!

https://www.ndtv.com/health/a-few-almonds-daily-can-offer-you-these-amazing-health-benefits-2239280

Carool

hscancer, I love your corgi!

hscancer

Carool - thank you. Koda is a mutt, a veritable mix, but doesn't have any Corgi in her. She's equal part American Eskimo, Chow, German Shepherd, and Akita. I'd upload a better photo, but I don't know how to do that here.

Carool

hscancer, thank you! She fooled me (well, her photo did). What an interesting mix!