Aromatase inhibitor vs. radiation post DCIS Stage 0 WITH diabetes

So sorry to hear all this…sounds like you have every comorbidity. The exhaustion impacts any motivation to move.
I had DCIS - I treated with high dose radiation for one week and yes a lot of fatigue and later some tightness and discomfort in the breast and axila and shoulder. Physical therapy helped a lot with that discomfort and the fatigue went away after a couple months. I chose not to take AI because I did not want to spend the next 5 years back in menopause. Whether or not that was a good decision we won’t know.
Have you considered taking supplements like B-12 or at least asking your MD to check for inflammation markers. Also PT could help with energy levels as well by getting you moving therefore increasing blood flow and circulation.
Good luck with your PCP or oncologist getting them to address those issues.

I can only tell you if this was me, I would have a serious conversation with the radiology oncologist about this. If you are already fatigued, the standard radiation might be better or more of a challenge, this is a question to ask. Also I agree with @jlgc about the PT, I would definitely ask about that, sometimes the best way to combat the pains that come with movement is to move more in better ways. I would also talk to my doctor about the excessive sleeping, as this can be a lot of different things, from habit to something really serious and a million things in between.
I understand there are long term side effects of the high dose chemotherapies that many of us took 20 years ago. I have a few, I make sure that I discuss these before any new treatment. I am grateful that I didn’t die from BC in my 30s, but I definitely have some constant reminders that even my PCP doesn’t always get the connection, and he is pretty darn good.
I would write down my questions so that I wouldn’t forget, let them tell you about the plan, then any questions that didn’t get answered, ask them. I find most doctors welcome any relevant questions.
Did you have radiation the first time around? Is this a relapse or a new cancer?

I am sorry to hear of your cancer returned and your pain. May I ask were you diagnosed with DM, heart disease, arthritis after treatment? Thanks

Thanks for your very helpful response. I was part of a study the first time, where I had courses of chemo and radiation running concurrently. (In the same week, not chemo during the radiation treatment.) This is a new cancer; in the same breast, but a different location. As for side effects, I am sure that the neuropathy and the diabetes fall in that category.

I never thought about PT. Thanks for the suggestion. Also will ask about B-12 and inflammation markers. I also appreciate hearing that only one week of radiation could result in fatigue for several months. You chose the course that I was considering, without my really having done much research.

Hi
I have hormone positive her 2 negative stage 0 dcis. Lumpectomy and sentinal node surgery. I did 10 days radiation dbl dose 2nd week. I have fibromyalgia and heart issues. 8 mths post fatigue finally getting better. Decided against AI as already have osteopenia with a compression fracture in thoracic. Trust your gut and make the decision you need

Thanks to all. I was scheduled for my radiation planning session today, and after much discussion, decided not to go through with it. The choice given to me had always been radiation OR AI. What it boiled down to was that I can stop the AI at any time if I can't stand the side effects. I can't stop the radiation side effects at whim, and once they are done, they can't be undone. I asked about everything mentioned above and we talked a lot about the long-term prospects. All of those things entered into my decision. The medical staff was very supportive, and I am thankful that, if I had to have a second bout with this thing, at least the severity was a lot less.

My supportive and thoughts to the other members of this club that no one wants to join.
Peace and Health.
Carol