[karen z]

I was incredibly fatigued during chemo and through radiation. I found that unless one has been through treatment it is quite difficult to understand that (1) chemo is just one of many treatments we are undergo (2) just because hair is growing back doesn't mean you are "back to normal". I agree that you might try (with the understanding that people may still not get it) to explain that ALL of the treatments produce fatigue, that the fatigue may be cumulative within and across treatments and that the fatigue is or can be quite long lasting (plenty of research to back this up). We are not talking about days or weeks or even months here before one feels as good as before. Most of the patients I have known have experienced fatigue for years after treatment, especially if chemo was involved. You MUST look out for yourself, particularly because even very well intentioned family and friends may not get it. Do everything in your power to take good care of yourself and sleep as much as you need (which will likely be a lot). Don't worry too much about what others think ..........you are not going to be on their imagined schedule for you. Let others help you and do not feel guilty. And ask and try and get the help you need.