Monday, June 24, 2013

Fatigue Not Welcome

Fatigue Not Welcome

Radiation itself is tiring.  Even though the cancer center is nearby and the treatments are so short (I’m done within 10 minutes now), it is exhausting having to go in every day.  So far it has been going very smoothly.  My skin is just starting to get a little itchy and red, but for the most part it is holding up well.  No major burns yet.  As I begin my fourth week, the fatigue is becoming more prominent.  I find myself needing a daily nap again.  By about 3:00 I can barely stand to be awake.  My brain starts to get fuzzy, my body feels slow, and I actually have to work to keep my eyes open.  I try to outlast the sensation, but eventually surrender and take the much needed nap.  I worry that pretty soon I will be  back to two naps a day.  I am told the fatigue gets worse until about 2 weeks  (or as long as six months!) after radiation is over.  I had been feeling so great and, like a true optimist, thought that maybe the fatigue wouldn’t affect me.  But instead I find myself unable to work up enough energy to do much of anything around mid-afternoon.  It feels similar to the time I had mono, but this time I have one overly tan boob and underarm to show for it. 

Looking on the Bright Side…today I completed my 15th session, only 13 to go!

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