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GenK's avatar
GenK
Member
3 years ago

Another phase mostly complete, yay and yet…

So final chemo finished this last week, of course still side effects and the fatigue will linger, and radio to come. As carer I’m relieved and nervous. Thankfully side effects weren’t anywhere near as bad as they could’ve been, though not going to pretend it was straightforward/easy, for mum or me supporting her. At least radio plan is on shorter side, but also nervous about how to support mum after and encourage her to reach out. Rad onc did mention it’s often after radio finishes that people have a mental wobbly, any tips on supporting mum through that or suggestions I can give to her if that happens (knowing her it’s likely)? Any women happy to share if wobbly happened after whirlwind of diagnosis and treatment over/eased, and what helped you through it? Thanks ladies 🌺
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    3 years ago
    All the best with your Mum's Rads, @GenK .... I chucked a big wobbly during Rads when the wheels fell off - but it was due to my hubby ending up in emergency at the same time with a bike accident and I also lost my 'guardian angel' that my BC mentor had given me ..... and the social worker helped me big time ....

    On the whole, Rads can be considered the 'least nasty' of all the treatments - tho keeping the lotions & potions up to the affected areas is very important ....  Some women get quite fatigued ... some don't.  The skin will continue to be warm for about 2 weeks after the treatment finishes, so still important to protect it with the lotions & wear sun protective gear .....  

    As your Rad Onc & Julez said - some of us 'crash' at the end of the active treatment (Surgery/chemo/rads) as we've been on the treadmill for months, seeing medical team members every other week or so .... then suddenly, ZILCH!   It can be tricky .... Just keeping your mum as busy as she can be may help .... outings, puzzles, Netflix ..... all good diversions.

    Check out the https://www.otisfoundation.org.au/directory website to see if there are any retreats in your state - hopefully you'll be able to arrange a retreat for you & your Mum (and other family members if you like!). The only criteria is that active treatment has been completed - and they ask for your Onc to sign a letter saying she is well enough to attend. xx  There is usually a wait list for a retreat, specially since Covid - but if you get onto them now - you may be able to arrange one, sooner than later xx

    take care & all the best for your Mum's Rads.
  • Julez1958's avatar
    Julez1958
    Member
    3 years ago
    It’s common to have a bit of an emotional crash after treatment is completed.
    Counselling may help , I was ready for it and just let it happen, I was lucky I was semi retired and it didn’t affect my work and in fact having some work to do helped take my mind off things.
    I also tried to keep busy with exercise and some other projects.
    The other thing is many people expect you to “bounce back” after completion if your physical treatment and this can be a bit trying .
    I just said “ fine” when people asked me how I was going unless they were very close family or friends, that was just easier.
    Take care.