Extreme exhaustion 7 weeks after double mastectomy

Posted by Rom828 @jgallagher04921, May 29, 2023

I am 43 and had double mastectomy 7 weeks ago. My surgeon says I am doing better than most but I should have asked more questions because I'm not sure what that means. I have been trying to keep myself busy since I got cleared with no lifting restrictions, but almost everyday " I hit the wall" with extreme exhaustion. I have no warning, hits different times of day and is fearcly dehibilitating...often bribgs tears to my tears it hits so hard. Makes me nervous to be out and about by myself. Anyone experience this? How long did it last? This common?

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I am 75 and am completely not myself from the double mastectomy six weeks ago.....I feel like I am living in a fog. I talked to my neurologist about it and my husband said that "it was not that bad." It upset me a bit, but my husband has gone through so much including a code blue after my surgery, ICU, and having to wrap me as it took me 4 weeks to just look at myself. I am just off the antibiotic for infections so maybe that is what is making me so "not myself." I am trying to walk each day, do my daily chores, have a million MD appointments, and start radiation next week....then hormone therapy. Just plugging through, and always with a smile on the outside but soooooooo tired on the inside.......

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Profile picture for toomanyquestions @toomanyquestions

I’m 5 months post surgery. Double mastectomy in Dec and Goldilocks surgery in Jan. I used to play tennis, pickleball, swim, bike, walk,… i am just now starting to play tennis again. My stamina for the day is about 1/2 what it was. My labs still show low iron. No one knows why. I do see improvement. But it’s hard to be patient.

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@toomanyquestions what's goldilocks thing?

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Profile picture for sart @sart

@toomanyquestions what's goldilocks thing?

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@sart
Goldilocks procedure is “supposed “ to take the skin from your removed breast, deepithilize it, and stuff it underneath…supposedly creating a small breast mound without implants. HOWEVER, if your doctor tells you this will work without fat grafts and several more surgeries…don’t believe it. Most often it looks horrible. I was lied to and ended up deformed. I wish I has stood my ground when I requested flat. He talked me into Goldilocks. What a horror show.

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For sure! Everybody heals differently but I had my double mastectomy in October of 2024 and really didn’t get my energy back until that January. I was only 56 at the time so I thought it was odd but I just rested when my body told me to.., it’s not often we ( as women) feel ok to do that! Let your body take it’s time! 🩷🌷

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Profile picture for toomanyquestions @toomanyquestions

@sart
Goldilocks procedure is “supposed “ to take the skin from your removed breast, deepithilize it, and stuff it underneath…supposedly creating a small breast mound without implants. HOWEVER, if your doctor tells you this will work without fat grafts and several more surgeries…don’t believe it. Most often it looks horrible. I was lied to and ended up deformed. I wish I has stood my ground when I requested flat. He talked me into Goldilocks. What a horror show.

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@toomanyquestions thank you it hasn't been discussed as yet but will be on the alert for it.

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Just frustrating to be so fatigued. Start radiation Wednesday so I will be more tired… we will see…

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Profile picture for gailmarienewton @gailmarienewton

I am 75 and am completely not myself from the double mastectomy six weeks ago.....I feel like I am living in a fog. I talked to my neurologist about it and my husband said that "it was not that bad." It upset me a bit, but my husband has gone through so much including a code blue after my surgery, ICU, and having to wrap me as it took me 4 weeks to just look at myself. I am just off the antibiotic for infections so maybe that is what is making me so "not myself." I am trying to walk each day, do my daily chores, have a million MD appointments, and start radiation next week....then hormone therapy. Just plugging through, and always with a smile on the outside but soooooooo tired on the inside.......

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@gailmarienewton I was 72 when diagnosed in August with stage 1 ILC & luckily just needed a lumpectomy. But it's still a lot for our bodies to go through. For the record, I did 5-day radiation which was nothing at all & I take a half-dose (10mg) of Tamoxifen which is also easy. Your worst days are behind you & your body will heal! Keep taking good care of yourself & you'll be back to your old self before you know it!

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Profile picture for jmab @jmab

@gailmarienewton I was 72 when diagnosed in August with stage 1 ILC & luckily just needed a lumpectomy. But it's still a lot for our bodies to go through. For the record, I did 5-day radiation which was nothing at all & I take a half-dose (10mg) of Tamoxifen which is also easy. Your worst days are behind you & your body will heal! Keep taking good care of yourself & you'll be back to your old self before you know it!

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@jmab Thank you. I have 7 weeks of radiation to look forward to....just a lot to worry about.....SMiles and Happy Easter or Passover to you.

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Profile picture for gailmarienewton @gailmarienewton

@jmab Thank you. I have 7 weeks of radiation to look forward to....just a lot to worry about.....SMiles and Happy Easter or Passover to you.

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@gailmarienewton one day at a time! Fingers crossed you sail through the radiation & be all ready to enjoy the summer once it's done! Thanks for good wishes! Enjoy the weekend! 😊

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Profile picture for teresawhite @teresawhite

I am nearing week 6 of post dbl mastectomy…and prior to surgery I was always described as the “energizer bunny”, BUT this Easter….i will be doing the bare minimum…energy is a commodity…I read a article about “your body goes through grieving…and the brain has to adjust as well.” Self-compassion is telling yourself what you would tell to someone you love…now it’s time to do that to you!!!! Hugs and love!!!!

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@teresawhite Hello,

You have endured so much with the double mastectomy. I can imagine the stress and recuperation is quite difficult. My heart guts out to you.

If you are interested- You Tube web site offers a FREE Belle Ruth Naperstek MSW Guided Imagery for • Stress that may be of interest. I found it to be very helpful .

Best for your recovery and feeling much better.

Kindly,

Susan

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