Fibromyalgia and radiation

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Grief can easily be adding to your fatigue. If I'm remembering correctly, you've posted before about being very tired. I found cancer treatment to be tiring (lumpectomy & radiation, not the AI) in part I think because I have chronic pain and so this was in addition to my ordinary level of fatigue. The main thing I know is that I can't overdo--I have to keep my activity level fairly steady. Also, I find mild exercise, like walking in nature, very helpful. I assume your oncologist is monitoring your blood work for anything else that could be causing exhaustion. Do you have the option to pace yourself right now? And how are you feeling currently?

Hi
My oncology radiologist nurse told me the fatigue will get worse before it gets better. Also she said 6mths to 1 yr before i feel like myself again. I was exercising too much. So for now she said only 20min walks daily. Also to increase my protein. Have it with every meal. More fruit and veg. The infamous nap must be taken daily. So I have been making those changes. I just had to have zoledronic acid infused yesterday so feeling pretty lousy today. It's all a process isn't it.

It sounds like some good advice. Hope the additional protein works. In terms of disability and fatigue I've kept myself going emotionally by having as much low-key fun as possible--whatever that looks like in my day. Wishing you the best.

HiI have fibromyalgia was under control until radiation treatment for breast cancer. I am 3 mths out since radiation ended. I am having crushing fatigue it hits me around 3pm everyday until 7 ish. My oncologist says I shouldn't have it now. He says i must have another issue. Hopefully getting bld work done thru him for thyroid , electrolytes, cbc , sodium. Also was taken off hrt which I took for 15yrs. Gp is useless can't get into her. Has anyone with fibro had severe fatigue after radiation?

Hello @sue417 - I combined your discussion with your previous discussion on "Fibromyalgia & Radiation" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fibromyalgia-and-radiation/.

I'd like to invite @jpfefferdittes, @julieaz and @brightside21 to this discussion as well as they have all mentioned breast cancer treatment and fibromyalgia and may be able to share their experiences with fatigue after radiation.

@sue417, Have you found anything that helps with the fatigue?

Hi
I hope they respond. My g.p. whom I just started seeing does not believe in ssri's. So I went to my naturopathic dr. She put be back on 5htp which is a supplement for fibro and depression. I was on it for 5 years and went off during my surgeries and treatment. I definitely need it so I am back on it. I am starting to improve. Thank god for her. It's actually better than an ssri . You don't get the side effects if a drug. Fibro is a different animal. Still need to rest around 3:00 in the afternoon. Will be having a discussion with the g.p. if she can't treat me properly will look fir a new one
Thks

Hi,
I e the exact same issues.
Was on HRT over 15yrs taken off because ER poss cancer then on Tamoxifen, taken off due to awful probs re vision & extreme loss of cognition. Put on Letrozole then Anastrazole.
I have pre cancer Fybro, CFS, daily migraines & osteoarthritis etc.
Like you my fatigue & all abive symptoms are massively worse. I can no longer ger manage a 15min walk daily. I've had to reduce to every 3rd day & minimise phone calls as it's affecting my haed & body fatigue so much.
Radiation due to be 5 weeks daily & so worried how I'll cope at all.
Like you from 1pm to 7pm I'm on the sofa wiped out.
I've pre cancer always paced my day & always had alternate rest days now nothing is helping.
I too have increased my protein & stopped all alcohol. Life's so hard at the mo...any advise welcome.

Hi
Thank you for sharing your information. It's very difficult because I don't think They take into consideration fibromyalgia Or other issues prior to radiation. For some reason the radiologist thinks fatigue is only three weeks . From what I have discovered from my Breast cancer support group , it can be six months to 1 yr. I also just had to have a zoledronic acid infusion june 3rd. It's knocked the crap out of me. My Dr referred me back today to my endocrinologist to have him get to the bottom of everything. He is a very good physician. Also having blood work today. I wish i had a magic answer. My gp also said cancer treatment is very difficult. Those hormone blockers are horrid I am not taking them.

June 2024 no tumours anywhere but left lymph nodes cancer. I refused chemo for what it does to the woman's body, they then suggested a number of difference hormone therapy drugs, including zoledronic acid. First the idea of injecting acid into my veins was a definite no go for me; the side effects of all other suggested drugs were risks I was not willing to take. Oncologist is now pushing radiation. I am about ready to do an extensive overseas trip so I have put on hold my decision despite the fact they wanted to start immediately. Seeing the fatigue women are suffering as a result of radiation is making me wonder whether I should venture down that road on my return.

Hi
I went to my naturopath and she put me on a homeopathic.For depression and my hormone symptoms it is working well. For depression 5htp 50mg. Fir hormone symptoms Unda 212. It is good to see a naturaopathic Doctor because they can.Test your body to see what it responds to.