I still have a difficult time resting. But either way patients and a lot of practice I have learned to listen to my body. I don’t necessarily like when it says rest but I do listen to what my body is telling me and rest even if it’s a tiny voice telling me rest I do it. It matters. Kind of like your gut doesn’t lie to you…your body absolutely does not either!

Don't ever feel like you're a failure because of your cancer. I was never one to sit still either. It's really hard having your body change so much and not have control over some of those changes. You are dealing with your cancer and you are still here, so that is a success story in itself.

I've had radiation 5 times now and every time the fatigue has hit between 2-4 weeks after radiation has begun and lasts for 2-4 months after I finish radiation depending on how many sessions I've gone through. If I went through a week of radiation the worst of my fatigue is pretty much resolved in a couple months. If I've gone through 3-4 weeks of radiation, with or without a boost towards the end, it takes 3-4 months for me to perk up again. I've learned that it's best to listen to my body. Sometimes I need to take more breaks on the couch to rest and get less accomplished and that's ok. I also go through a phase where I need a daily nap, sometimes 2 naps. This is usually for the first month or two after radiation is done. After that my needed nap frequency will decrease to a few times a week, then once or twice a week.

For me after all my body has been through cancer wise I still and always will need to pace myself and take frequent breaks. I've learned to adjust and accept the fact that I can't physically do all that I did pre-cancer. It took a while to accept, but I'm satisfied now if I can make some sort of progress/forward motion each day even though I can't complete the proverbial marathon any more.

Radiation/chemo fatigue is different from ordinary every day fatigue. You can rest, relax, nap and still be so fatigued. It will slowly ease up and your energy levels will increase again but for now give yourself grace and listen to the signals your body gives you and rest/nap as needed ❤️

Thank you. Rest is not easy for me. I did SO amazingly well through my surgery and radiation, and now this fatigue makes me feel like a failure. I need to be grateful and honor my body. Thanks for making me realize that.

I am usually a very energetic person and continued being one until last week or so. I feel tired and achey in the afternoon like I’ve been swimming all day.