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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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janiern2 | @janiern2 | 1 hour ago
In reply to @hannahfern "i’m 43, 4 weeks post-double mastectomy with sentinel node removal and i can’t believe how tired..." + (show)
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i’m 43, 4 weeks post-double mastectomy with sentinel node removal and i can’t believe how tired a small outing makes me. it’s physical and also driving or crowds overstimulate me. i see stars, get lightheaded, fall sleep for hours after. i thought i was being generous with myself to take a full 6 weeks completely away from work. now i can’t imagine being ready to go back in 2 weeks.

i’m so glad i found this thread because reddit seems filled with people who like to start vacuuming and summiting mountains once their anesthesia wears off. and every bc survivor in my life opted for simpler surgeries that took less recovery. thank you all for sharing so i can be gentle with myself and not think it’s because i’m not trying to do more and get out more when it’s so hard.

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@hannahfern I can completely relate. I am 63, and about 5 1/2 weeks post double mastectomy with direct to implant with ADM (surgical mesh) with 4 lymph nodes removed. I have had to pace myself. The fatigue is common with this type of surgery and I often forget it is a major surgery. I am thankfully retired now which helps a lot. I think it first hit me about 3 weeks post surgery but then it eased but yesterday it hit me again but I will say that Friday and Saturday I was out of the house for an extended time probably up to 4-5 hours. Nothing that was risky in lifting anything but just no breaks or rests and social outings and talking with others does use your energy! I was extemely cautious with my recovery and followed things very closely not wanting a hematoma or complications and also the ADM has to actually incorporate into your chest wall and you can actually cause tears and set yourself back. What you are feeling is normal. Yes, it is frustrating for sure. I exercise reguarly and it's been hard to follow it all. I am released as of this Friday to slowly start back with some exercise. but plan to go slow. You will get there. I am so thankful as I do not have to have chemotherapy. I was stage 1, grade 1 and lymph nodes were negative for cancer. My oncotype DX was 13 which is a low number. Pacing yourself is the way to go and this will be behind you before you know it! Take care and we are all in this together.

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