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Fatigue is worse after radiation
Breast Cancer | Last Active: 22 hours ago | Replies (15)Comment receiving replies
I had 32 axillary lymph nodes removed - 8 when we did the initial lumpectomy, thinking *only* 3 were involved, but the post-operative pathology showed 6 involved, so they went back and removed the whole “packet”, which was 24 more, to be sure we were clear. Thankfully, no more were found to be cancerous, but it made me kind of wish we could put them back. The lymphedema, cording, and numbness has been harder than anything else, made worse with radiation. I was treated at Mayo in Rochester. My understanding is they try not to do it if there are only a couple nodes involved, but once there are more, the indication is to do a full dissection. My surgeon felt she was on the fence with mine during the first surgery with 3 known - she was trying to save me from the full dissection, but once they saw 6, she felt it was necessary.
As for fatigue - I am only 3 months out post-radiation. I’m on letrozole and just started verzenio. Also getting zometa injections every 3 months. Not sure which is contributing most to my fatigue but I am EXHAUSTED! I think they all are, plus stress. I have been doing acupuncture which helps many of my other symptoms. The fatigue is hard to touch though.
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Do you have a LANA certified Lymphedema therapist? If you don't I am sure Mayo could help you with finding someone. LANA is Lymphedema Association of North America. These professionals are usually PTs who have special training in lymphedema and the decompression massage. I first saw a regular PT then a LANA certified therapist. Seeing someone specifically trained and experienced with lymphedema made a huge difference. She She was able to easily and painlessly break up the cording, which helped a great deal. She also taught me many skills to manage the lymphedema.
Although everyone told me the numbness was permanent, I did recover some feeling after a long time. However, I have nerve pain in the form of occasional "shocks" and intense itching in the lymphedemedtous area on my chest wall.
As for post radiation fatigue, three months isn't very long. Be patient with yourself. You've been through the wringer and you still are going through it...
It sounds counter intuitive when you're exhausted but I have found that getting some exercise, even gentle exercise, gives me energy. I have joined Zoom classes specifically for women who have had cancer treatment.
Keep asking your doctors (oncologist, surgeon, PCP...) about the fatigue.
Best wishes.