Recovered from cancer treatment but just never feel well

[BG2015]

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 aged 52. I had successful surgery, then chemo, radiotherapy, 18 Herceptin injections and now I'm on Anastrozole for the next 5-10 years.

I also have asthma and since my cancer treatment ended in March 2022 my asthma has developed into eosinophilic asthma, so regular inhalers etc aren't effective. I've been on a biologic injection which hasn't worked so I'm waiting to try another one.

They don't know why the severe asthma has flared up,could be covid, radiotherapy 🤷‍♀️ or it could've developed anyway.

But I feel constantly ill and under the weather. My cough is horrendous and never leaves. I can't walk up and downstairs, or any great distance without gasping.

I don't sleep well, I'm permanently tired. I can't exercise because of my breathing difficulties- something I find very frustrating.

I have continual flares up of piles. I also have developed plantar fasciitis in my right foot.

I'm a primary school teacher and still teach fulltime. My job is exhausting and I've had a great deal of time off.

I know I should probably go part time but I can't afford to yet as I still have a mortgage.

I'm 54 and feel like I'm 84! I then wonder whether other people in their fifties feel like this or whether it's because of the cancer treatment.

People who I've become friends with who've also had cancer, all seem to have some sort of other health niggle too.

New posts and advice, so thank you.

An update....I began a second Biologic injection in January. So far I've had 3 injections (Fasenra) with a 4th one due on the 1st May. These injections seem to be working & although I'm still mildly breathless my asthma is much improved. On the 1st May I'll have spirometer and FENO tests which will monitor lung function and inflammation so those results will be interesting to see. They will show if the drug is working.

I'm still tired, awake 3-4 times during the night but seem to be managing ok. The exemestane is better in some aspects but worse in others. The joint pain is awful and I have (bizarrely) very dry, itchy ears. But the vaginal dryness is better and my libido has improved too. We went on holiday for 2 weeks over Easter which was amazing and much needed.

We sold the house on the 14th February and offered on another one. All progressing ok and we're thinking move date will be mid to late May.

This will mean the mortgage is gone. I'm coping better at work, particularly now I'm only working for 4 days but retirement will definitely be sooner rather than later. I was 55 in February so in another 2 years I think I shall probably go - unless of course my health takes a nose dive.

Glad to hear things are improving. Sounds like you've been very productive as well.