Extreme exhaustion 7 weeks after double mastectomy

I had DMX to flat 2 years ago when 70. People told me to keep active. Push through. I did and it helped. I had to have radiation therapy and that really took it out of me. We are all different but I think keeping as active as possible is best since resting, rather than providing more energy, seems to perpetuate feeling tired and weak.

The angst created by all of this is ….unfortunately… rather normal. I haven’t found oncologists to be particularly helpful with this. We seem to have to figure it out in our own!

The medication I was taking had a side effect of exhaustion. My doc told me to get off of it for a month. After 3 days, I could tell a difference!

Basic recovery time for typical patients is at least eight weeks. That said, keep in mind that no estimate of recovery is exact and at best it’s a very simple guideline. I was 65 when I had my surgery. Now — three years later I have fatigue issues. I had the two strongest chemo treatments, radiation and am taking Anastrozole. All of those treatments contribute to severe fatigue. Your age is probably helpful. Give yourself time and be kind to yourself. I made sure I got 90 grams of protein every day while recovering. That helped significantly. I breezed through radiation afterwards. But once I started on Anastrozole (for post menopausal patients) it kicked my butt. Give yourself the benefit of rest while you heal. I’ve had a dozen surgeries over my lifetime and each one is different. Healing, pain and recovery with each one were different. Even with the same surgery like sinus and c-sections.

Creatine, was a game changed for me with fatigue! They give it to body builders to muscles, bone and it helped my fatigue enormously!! But, a double mastectomy with knock the the stuffing out of you. Give yourself a break, lower your expectations a little. Start walking just a little bit and work your way up to something bigger. At first I walked from my front door to top of my own driveway. Then a couple of days later moved on to next mailbox on my street. Did that for a few days then went on the the second mail box. Some daysI could make it and other days I couldn't just like marathon runners. Too cold to move walk in your house, around in circles if you have too, but keep moving! You will get there, it's a slow progress. but, progress just the same. You have been through alot. You need time, and your body needs time too. Good luck, you are warrior, and you have joined a great group of warriors here! You are NOT ALONE IN THIS FIGHT! Take a dep breathe and keep moving!!

@jmh22
Try propel water 16 oz bottle, comes in flavors provides you with energy. Start walking, small goals and perhaps Creatine. It was a game changer for me. I was down and out with fatigue. Creatine comes in tablets 5mg and powder format. 100% Monohydrate. I turned a corner in a few days, build muscle mass, bones, and fights fatigue. Clear with your oncologist, my oncologist was actually using creatine.

I hear you! I wake up tired. I am still hurting on my left no-breast; my right no-breast is doing better...this after 6 weeks. I feel like I am always in a fog. I am trying to stay busy as I have always been a doer, but it is tough. I am tatooed and start radiation next...then hormone therapy. I already get infusions at the cancer center for "monoclonal B cell atypical CLL Trisomy 12 Kappa" and an IGG issue where I get Gammagard and B12. I keep hoping that something works. But...always smiling and happy to have friends that support me.

@jagmeme53, how did the biopsy go? Did you discuss the results with your doctor yet?