I bet your doctor has never done chemo. I don't believe a word exists that adequately describes how mind-numbing the fatigue can be! We are trying to recover physically from surgical treatments, emotional upheavals, financial worries, and the ongoing assault of chemo and medications. It takes approximately a year (or more) for our cells to recycle to ones that are free of the effects of chemo. And we are doing all this while trying to live life! No wonder we are tired. You just give yourself grace on this- rest when your body tells you to, keep making healthy choices so your body has the quality rebuilding materials it needs! Our bodies heal on their own timetables! But you will get there.

As far as sleep goes, there is a difference between tired- and sleepy. I can be physically exhausted, but the brain keeps going! Melatonin, on the timed release formula has helped. And if your morale is down- that's ok, this is not easy! But make sure you do something everyday that makes you smile. A walk, a chat with a friend, sitting to watch the birds, play some music, whatever! I am a big believer in whenever we have an appt, or treatment, we should do something fun afterwards. I love to visit the antique, consignment, or thrift shops= lol! Hang in there, this does get better! Gentle hugs!

I hear you @A MyBCTeam Member.
We simply need and want to be validated for how we feel and have what we say heard. I do not think we are asking for that much. Your physician has much to learn in the department of humility. Words are so powerful.
The total impact of cancer and its treatment to each individual has great variability, we just need acknowledgement of said journey and support along the way.
The medical team needs to stop just doing their job and start inserting themselves into the job at an emotional feeling level as well. You should not just "go through the motions" of doing the job when you work with people. That's it, I'm getting off my soap box now.

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A MyBCTea...

I think all these treatments run us down. Almost everyone us has tiredness/fatigue whether or not we had chemo, radiation or the after drugs, it seems they all cause it. Harsh treatments not only kill off cancer cells but normal healthy cells also. And it might also be from the cancer itself. I hope you are able to find something that combats your fatigue. ❤️❤️

It’s not just from lack of sleep or morale. The doctor is not being truthful. Chemo is toxic to the whole body. Some people take years to recover if ever. I read that the immune system comes back to only 65% of its full function after Taxol treatment. It basically never fully recovers. So, don’t feel bad about having fatigue. Take it easy and first and foremost take good care of your. This is the time to put yourself first, no matter what. Just one step at a time. Maybe a vacation or a relaxing trip somewhere?

Fatigue is the number one issue with most individuals fighting cancer. It's a combination of medications and the disease process itself. Your body is doing everything it can to fight this disease quite apart from all the treatment we go through. I fight fatigue as well. Fortunately, for now it isn't every day but I'm sure those days will return. I just try to take advantage of when I have energy and rest when I don't.