1. < Cancer: Managing Symptoms

Going back to work after cancer: Is this exhaustion normal?

Posted by fieryrn @fieryrn, Sep 19, 2021

I am so tired all the time!!
I had a partial mastectomy, cellulitis, a wound dehiscence, and radiation over 4 months. Then, after a dexascan found I have severe osteoporosis with a high risk of fracture. I had a Reclast infusion last week and am taking calcium and vitamin D.
I am a registered nurse in labor and delivery and have returned to work doing 6 hr shifts twice a week and I am exhausted! I am worried about this fatigue and trying to figure out what I should and shouldn’t do as far as my osteoporosis. I am scheduled to return to my 12 hr shifts the end of the month.
Is this exhaustion normal? What about this osteoporosis?
Help…

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Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Oct 11, 2021
In reply to @fieryrn "I do have an elliptical machine at home I can use. Walking is more difficult for..." + (show)
@fieryrn

I do have an elliptical machine at home I can use. Walking is more difficult for me as I cannot walk in my neighborhood. I suppose I could try mall walking… hoping I can begin a weight training routine soon.

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You can do a combination of elliptical and mall walking to avoid exercise boredom.
I’m trying to get myself on a schedule to get my body moving.
Of course, a couple of times a week I push a cart around at Walmart’s, if that counts!
With Reclast and Vitamin D plus weight bearing exercise you can possibly improve your condition.
By the way, any specific reason why you don’t sleep well?

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1 reply
fieryrn | @fieryrn | Oct 11, 2021
In reply to @astaingegerdm "You can do a combination of elliptical and mall walking to avoid exercise boredom. I’m trying..." + (show)
@astaingegerdm

You can do a combination of elliptical and mall walking to avoid exercise boredom.
I’m trying to get myself on a schedule to get my body moving.
Of course, a couple of times a week I push a cart around at Walmart’s, if that counts!
With Reclast and Vitamin D plus weight bearing exercise you can possibly improve your condition.
By the way, any specific reason why you don’t sleep well?

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I was always a great sleeper until a sexual assault home invasion 4 yrs ago. I wake easily now and usually many times a night.

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2 replies
Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Oct 11, 2021
In reply to @fieryrn "I was always a great sleeper until a sexual assault home invasion 4 yrs ago. I..." + (show)
@fieryrn

I was always a great sleeper until a sexual assault home invasion 4 yrs ago. I wake easily now and usually many times a night.

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Oh @fieryrn, my heart goes out to you. What a terrible thing to have to endure.
Have you sought out a professional to talk to that may be able to help ease some of the anxiety you are feeling?

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fieryrn | @fieryrn | Oct 11, 2021

Yes! I have a great therapist!

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Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Oct 11, 2021
In reply to @fieryrn "I was always a great sleeper until a sexual assault home invasion 4 yrs ago. I..." + (show)
@fieryrn

I was always a great sleeper until a sexual assault home invasion 4 yrs ago. I wake easily now and usually many times a night.

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Oh no! What a horrible experience- I can’t imagine what you have gone through. I’m so sorry I asked.

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fieryrn | @fieryrn | Oct 11, 2021

It’s fine to ask…I am ok talking about it. But things changed after that happened. Sleep is at best intermittent. Still waiting for a trial date😢

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1 reply
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Oct 11, 2021
In reply to @fieryrn "It’s fine to ask…I am ok talking about it. But things changed after that happened. Sleep..." + (show)
@fieryrn

It’s fine to ask…I am ok talking about it. But things changed after that happened. Sleep is at best intermittent. Still waiting for a trial date😢

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Good for you for going to court, it is a grueling and horrible process but holding perpetrators accountable is very empowering.

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fieryrn | @fieryrn | Oct 11, 2021

Between normal continuances and then Covid shutdowns…it has been an excruciatingly long process.

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fieryrn | @fieryrn | Oct 13, 2021

Update
I talked with my nurse manager and at this time she doesn’t see a safe way for me to continue in my present position as a staff nurse in labor and delivery. I am horrifically sad. I am awaiting a formal letter from my FNP outlining my restrictions to give to HR and my nurse manager. Unsure what HR will recommend…

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3 replies
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Oct 14, 2021
In reply to @fieryrn "Update I talked with my nurse manager and at this time she doesn’t see a safe..." + (show)
@fieryrn

Update
I talked with my nurse manager and at this time she doesn’t see a safe way for me to continue in my present position as a staff nurse in labor and delivery. I am horrifically sad. I am awaiting a formal letter from my FNP outlining my restrictions to give to HR and my nurse manager. Unsure what HR will recommend…

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I am sorry for your loss. The most worthless words there are and yet, heartfelt. I felt this great sadness when I sold off the furnitures and fixtures in my store. I just couldn’t do it any more. It was the only thing I had “done” for 25 years. I found another “job” in the industry for several years and found I really loved it, before having to become the caregiver for my husband. Can you consider a different position with less strenuous duties and still be happy?

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