Hi everyone, I just completed my second round of chemotherapy for Stage II breast cancer last Wednesday. Since then, I’ve been feeling an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. I can barely get out of bed, and even simple tasks like making tea feel like a marathon.
Is this level of fatigue normal at this stage? Does it get worse with more sessions? I’d appreciate any advice or tips on how to manage this energy drain. Thank you.
Hello, thank you for sharing your concerns. It is very important to discuss these symptoms.
To answer your question: Yes, cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Unlike normal tiredness, it doesn't always improve with rest because your body is working overtime to repair healthy cells damaged during treatment.
Here are a few clinical insights and tips for you:
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The 'Cumulative' Effect: Fatigue often increases as treatment progresses because the body has less time to recover between cycles.
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Check Your Blood Count: Sometimes fatigue is linked to anemia (low red blood cells). I recommend mentioning this to your care team so they can check your full blood count (FBC).
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Energy Conservation: Try the '3 Ps' rule: Prioritize (do what’s necessary), Plan (schedule rest), and Pace yourself.
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Light Movement: If your energy allows, a short 5-10 minute walk can actually help reduce fatigue more than staying in bed all day.
Please keep a 'fatigue diary' to show your oncologist during your next visit. If you experience sudden shortness of breath or dizziness, contact your clinic immediately.
