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 experienced the same timeline. My doctor assured me I would get through this. It took 3 months and 1 week. I woke up...and noticed a new sense of excitement about doing everyday choirs...each day I improved. This amount of time to recover seems to mystify most doctors. All I can tell you is give yourself more time, don't despair. I believe it is normal. I sadly had to go through another total reconstruction of a botched reconstruction at mastectomy time. Although the surgery was not nearly as traumatic as the dbl mastectomy with reconstruction, it took me 3 months and 1 week again to start feeling well. Please keep us informed how you are doing. I am 64 so I would expect you to start feeling better sooner than I did but who knows?

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I heard a long time ago that it can take a year post surgery to be totally past the effects of the surgery. Now that said, each month post surgery we can feel better. Does that encourage us to do more with the same enthusiasm as before? Maybe. Everyone tells me to be kind to myself, rest when I feel tired, don't push too hard to finish those chores. I try to eat better, exercise and slow down those expectations I put on myself.
Since my diagnosis (2 years ago), I have increased the amount of protein I eat and water I drink. After all, I am rebuilding muscles, healing damaged tissues and feeding that foggy brain.
But, I would also describe to your doctor how exhausted you are and then be kind to yourself, you have been through an extremely emotional and debilitating time in your life.
I wish you well and hope that your recovery begins to improve.

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A simple explanation: Your body is directing all its energy towards healing and repair. Honor its wisdom and don't make it do other "stuff" you feel you *should* be doing. Healing is a full-time job.

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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

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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For me, it took about 1 year before I felt like I had truly recovered from the surgery. When I was younger and expecting my first child I ran a very low blood count. I took Iron without much success. The doctor added some Liver Extract, and my count came up quickly. Ask your doctor about this.
GIND5009

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I wasn't feeling the least bit of energy until week 10. At week 14 I was able to give up daily naps and do projects requiring endurance. Hang in there.

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@gina5009

For me, it took about 1 year before I felt like I had truly recovered from the surgery. When I was younger and expecting my first child I ran a very low blood count. I took Iron without much success. The doctor added some Liver Extract, and my count came up quickly. Ask your doctor about this.
GIND5009

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Thank you so much. I will ask about the liver extract!

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