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Fatigue after mastectomy normal?

Page last modified on: October 7, 2008

Question from Roberta: It has been 5 years since my mastectomy and I still do not feel like myself. Regular errands and housework just seem to take all my energy away. Is this normal?: Answer —Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S.: You mention that your treatment was mastectomy, but didn't comment on whether you had additional treatment afterwards. Assuming that your treatment was limited to mastectomy surgery and it has been 5 years ago would make me question whether or not the residual "side effects" that you're experiencing may be linked to your psychological well-being. I encourage women to look at mastectomy surgery as transformation surgery. The mission was for your surgeon to transform you from a breast cancer victim into a survivor. So, I hope when you look down you don't see that your breast is gone, you see that the cancer is gone.

On Wednesday, January 16, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Managing Fatigue During and After Treatment. Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D., Tish Knobf, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., A.O.C.N., and Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. answered your questions about ways to keep up your energy, how nutrition can affect fatigue, and how exercising can help.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D. is a registered dietitian in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Tish Knobf, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., A.O.C.N. is the American Cancer Society associate professor of Oncology Nursing at Yale University. She participates in various research programs that focus on cancer recovery and exercise, risk factors for cancer, and symptoms before and after cancer therapy.

Lillie Shockney, RN., BS., M.A.S. Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. is the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.