Fatigue and SRT

OK -- I guess I am experiencing the SRT fatigue.

However, I expected to hit a brick wall and that hasn't happened yet. Here's what has happened:

Starting maybe 4 weeks ago, I started feeling a tad tired upon awakening in the morning. I felt my sleep was not restorative. But as soon as I staggered to the bathroom and started my morning ritual (brushing my teeth) everything was fine. I felt perfect. I likened it to a car on a winter morning. Leave it run and it warms up. So, basically, in about 3 minutes I was fine. I considered this to be a total non-issue.

Fast forward. I am starting my last week (5 to go, finally!). I feel just a wee bit tired (not much energy) almost all of the time now. It is not real bad at all, but nevertheless noticeable. This has really sneaked up on me. I still stay up almost as late as usual (I used to be up until maybe 2:00 AM; now it's 1:00 AM). I am sleeping in maybe 45 minutes later, too. But that slight tiredness is pretty steady. It doesn't seem to vary much. So, some questions:

1) Does this sound like SRT tiredness?

2) How long is it likely to last after completing SRT?

3) What causes this? Does SRT cause some type of anemia or is it just the body seeking to repair the damaged cells due to the SRT?

4) Does exercise help to diminish the tiredness? I have not gone to the gym for a week. I thought due to laziness, but I'm 100% sure this little tiredness is contributing to that. Probably time to kick it in gear!!

Mel

I had some fatigue towards the end of SRT, but it was minor and didn't last very long. I didn't work during SRT. perhaps that helped.

Mel, you know my story too well. Now 18 months out from SRT, and the fatigue is overhwelming all the time. Main reason I am in the Oncology Rehab. My story, is the culmative of having going through major radiation twice, and 8 operations in a short period of time. I don't view my situation as even being remotely normal.

Do remember, that the faitgue won't just instantly go away as soon as you hit that last zap. It may or may not take several months for it to diminish, if you are just suffering from "normal" post radiation fatigue.

I was only 46 when I went through the first radiation, and at first, I bounced back quick, at least I thought. Then 3 months out, in the middle of me running the finances/accounting for a 6 state operation, the fatigue came back and slew me, hit a brick wall like you wouldn't believe. That was the first time I went through oncology rehab, I went for 9 months, but still, in those younger days, was able to keep up with my job at that time.

All in all, you have done well with SE from this SRT. Let's just hope it did the job.

David

Mal -- i still suffer from fatigue but it's getting better.  i don't know if i'll ever be "the same".  another thing to consider is we are getting older and we weren't exactly spring chickens when we started this journey .

ed