Anyone still suffer crippling fatigue 2 years out from treatment?

[jthomas158]

Hi.  I was dx with infiltrating ductal carcinoma in my left breast in Feb. of '06. I had just turned 39. I had a lumpectomy followed by re-excision surgery.  I then had a port installed and began chemo in April.  I had one dose of Adriamycin (sp?) and it nearly did me in.  So I was switched to Taxol and had 12 treatments (approx. one each week), followed by 33 radiation treatments. I finished all of this around Christmas time of '06.  I had suffered from infertility and endometriosis for years, and to alleviate the pain from endo, I had a hysterectomy the next month (January, '07).  They took my ovaries as a preventative measure, sending me into full menopause the week after I turned 40.  No HRT b/c of b.c., but my oncologist gave me a reprieve from having to take Tamoxifen (so I have not nor do I now take it or similar drugs).  At the end of '07 I had reconstruction surgery, round one, followed by round two in mid '08 and round 3 in November of '08.  I've suffered from depression due to meopause, inability to have children, changes due to cancer, and the fact that my husband is divorcing me.  I realize  depression can cause fatigue.  But the fatigue I still experience seems out of proportion  to emotional fatigue.  Does anyone else out there still feel like they're carrying their bodies around with a great deal of effort, this amount of time out from treatment?  I just can't seem to account for my severely diminished energy level any other way.  ANY feedback would be appreciated!!

PS.  I am so thankful, after reading some of your stories, that I don't battle the chronic and debilitating pain that many of you do.  Hang in there, survivor sisters.

[pinklady725]

hi, just wanted to let u know i'm also a ductal carcinoma sutvivor of  almost 5 years.  i finally came out of my shell after almost 4 years, went off all my meds cold turkey.  i was so bad i wouldn,t leave  my house.  things are better now?  my only problem is really bad pains in my shins and feet.  good luck

[japdip]

All those things are absolutely 100% true. I think attitudes are changing from the days when you were expected to snap back as soon as treatment was completed and how could you possibly be depressed when you were alive !!  It's a good thing but I think we still have a way to go with this. Some say the effects last at least as long after treatment as the treatment lasted.  You're doing all the right things so keep up the good work .... Regards ...

[jthomas158]

Thanks for your reply.  Yes, I have seen someone about the depression.  She thinks that anyone who's gone through a cancer experience can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder - just passing on what she says.  I was referred to Gilda's House, and people there celebrate life, but if they feel fatigued they say so.  I also heard there that Chemobrain was very under-rated and minimized .... something that's finally dissipating after way too long!

Jennifer

[japdip]

I think you might be wrong about this fatigue not being due to the depression. Fatigue due to depression is not limited to emotional .... it can easily be physical as well. I don't know if you have given any consideration to seeing someone about the depression but if not I suggest that you give it a try. You might be amazed at the difference that can occur with treatment.    Kindest regards .....