Radiotherapy and tiredness

[Themodernuriahheep]

i haven't posted in life limiting illness because it isn't.

I'm starting radio next week for 5+ weeks to reduce a tumour that's wrapped itself round an artery. Consultant says I can prob work through the treatment but I may get very tired and need to get signed off.

I've deliberately chosen a quiet time at work and am feeling smug that nearly all my Christmas presents are bought and wrapped.

But how tired? Obv dependent on person, but I only know people who've had it post chemo, when they've already had a battering.

Views?

Maybe ask over here

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/2428777--Tamoxigang-53-Roll-up-roll-up-Anyone-with-any-cancer-or-test-waiting-welcome?pg=30

lots of experience from people who have had and are currently undergoing radiotherapy .

and for you uriah .

Thanks. God idea. And thanks.

I had rads after chemo. I did 5 days per week for 6 weeks.
I did find it tiring, sorry...... but having said that, I was doing a 2 hour round drive every day, so I blamed that. Looking back, I am not so sure. I worked all through chemo, took minimal time off during surgeries, but actually put my notice in and left during radiotherapy.

Everyone is different though. I think I was just battered from chemo. Perhaps without that, it might have been easier.

Good luck!

Thanks. I have quite a long journey, well, cross London. But am hoping that because I haven't gone through chemo will be fine. And yes, the 5 days a week syndrome.

URIAH, it is so doable, honestly

Just remember why you are doing it and imagine yourself in 6 months time - hopefully with it all behind you

I think most people find it tiring (at least in the initial weeks) because of the schlepping to the hospital everyday, waiting around, being delayed if the machine is playing up and so on, rather than the actual treatment. If your treatment is in a bone marrow producing area like the pelvis, then this will have an effect later.

Listen to your body, and chat to the radiographers about how you feel. Theres no shame in getting signed off for a bit if you need it

Hi OP sorry to hear you are going through this,
My dad had 7 weeks of radiotherapy 18 months or so ago. He was 70 at the time,
The tiredness didn't really kick in until about week 3, then it was quite bad, he took himself to bed for a few hours during the day which isn't like him at all. He said it was a whole body fatigue type feeling, not just sleepy iykwim,

But travelling to and from the hospital every day for 7 weeks has got to be tiring whatever your age I would imagine,
You don't say your age, but I think that has to be a factor, I think you will just have to see how it goes,
Good luck

Thank you to all respondents. Where I work it's a fraction quieter over Christmas, one reason for choosing the time. I'll just cross my fingers and hope.

Oh, and over 50. No spring chicken.