Hi ladies , I can't believe it - After 7 long months I've finished my chemo! There were times I didn't think I'd get there but I did :) .... I'm so relieved but haven't had a chance for it to sink in yet as I was struck down with a Gastro bug a day later and am still recovering - but it's still a milestone for me. Radiotherapy to start in 2 weeks so gearing up for that now ! I'm almost scared to see the light at the end of the tunnel - I just really hope there is . Take care all . Sophie xx

I have had three out of four bouts of chemo and am having difficulty with lack of appetite, changes to taste etc. I'm sure other people have had the same but it is quite hard at present. Some foods I just can't cope with. I'm looking forward to the end of this radical treatment so that I can start feeling 'normal'.

Give yourself time. I was so exhausted at the end of chemo that it was hard to know what I was feeling. But I did come good fairly quickly now that I look back. It is hard because on one hand you know that chemo is finished but you still have the unknown of radiation to go. Radiation is easier in that you don't feel sick but it is not a minor treatment and the effects towards the end can be uncomfortable and you will feel tired. So the tunnel is definitely coming to an end and the light is there. I found it helped me to just appreciate the little things at first. It was wonderful to get my taste buds back, to not have a headache or sore eyes. Life was not immediately wonderful but by noticing the good bits I started to feel happier. The two things that helped me to recover both mentally and physically were exercise and staying connected with the ladies on here. Reading about other people's journeys and trying to help them is the best therapy for yourself! I hope that radiation goes smoothly for you (it will go quickly believe me!) and that you find yourself feeling better bit by little bit. You've finished the toughest part of treatment, YAY! Now just look after yourself while you recover. Keep in touch. Deanne xxx

Fantastic! This is a milestone and I am sure it will sink in pretty quickly that you chemo is over. I can't wait for that moment. I wish you all the very best with your radiation. You are nearly at the end of the tunnel so stay strong and look after yourself. Big hugs Joy xx

Hi Deanne, Thanks so much for your kind words - they mean a lot at the moment . I'm feeling pretty sorry for myself as my fatigue seems worse now than it ever was before . Hopefully it will lift a little in the coming weeks. Glad you are doing so well . You are amazing Take care Sophie xx

Finished :) | BCNA Online Network

15 Replies

mgndam1603
Member
12 years ago
Hi There Bel,

you and I were on pretty much the same time line and agree whole heartedly with you. I came back to work a little earlier but just part time with moving to full-time after about 2 months.

I find I get exhausted, many timnes I leave work bone tired and were as before I would go home and do chores that just doesn't happen anymore. I go home and rest.

My mind still muddles at times which concerns me greatly I wonder will I ever get things back fully.

I think I went back to work a little earlier than I should have, my family wanted me to wait till after christmas but Miss Independant pushed and went back in October and really it was all too much.

Anyway these days I pace myself, I rest as much as possible and I no longer put in huge days at the office. Of course i travel a bit for work and through that time I work extremely long days and the fatigue is hard but when the trip is over i take days off.

Lets hope the ladies coming along behind can learn from these experiences. Of course some are lucky enough not to battle too badly with sid effecvts but we weren't that lucky.

Ciao

Donna
mgndam1603
Member
12 years ago
Hi There Bel,

you and I were on pretty much the same time line and agree whole heartedly with you. I came back to work a little earlier but just part time with moving to full-time after about 2 months.

I find I get exhausted, many timnes I leave work bone tired and were as before I would go home and do chores that just doesn't happen anymore. I go home and rest.

My mind still muddles at times which concerns me greatly I wonder will I ever get things back fully.

I think I went back to work a little earlier than I should have, my family wanted me to wait till after christmas but Miss Independant pushed and went back in October and really it was all too much.

Anyway these days I pace myself, I rest as much as possible and I no longer put in huge days at the office. Of course i travel a bit for work and through that time I work extremely long days and the fatigue is hard but when the trip is over i take days off.

Lets hope the ladies coming along behind can learn from these experiences. Of course some are lucky enough not to battle too badly with sid effecvts but we weren't that lucky.

Ciao

Donna
Deanne
Member
12 years ago
It can be hard to find foods that appeal. I found that I had to think of different foods until I found something that I felt like. I did not eat what I normally ate. I preferred cold things as they seemed to sooth my throat and made the gagging less of a problem. The main thing is to keep up your fluids. Eating small amounts more often works for a lot of people. Hope this helps. Deanne xx
All_smiles
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Donna xx
All_smiles
Member
12 years ago
Thx Robyn Xx
mgndam1603
Member
12 years ago
I had a month recovery and then more surgery after my chemo and I think I took about every day of that month to pick up. The radiation is a breeze after chemo.

I am so happy for you, its such a wonderful feeling.

cheers

Donna
Robyn_W
Member
12 years ago
Isn't it great to finish chemo? I was tired when I first finished,but I came good quickly!I didnt have radiation,so I can't help you there.But I can tell you, that I am almost 3 months past chemo,and I have more energy than I ever did.(most days ;). All the best,you are nearly there.xox Robyn
Robyn_W
Member
12 years ago
Isn't it great to finish chemo? I was tired when I first finished,but I came good quickly!I didnt have radiation,so I can't help you there.But I can tell you, that I am almost 3 months past chemo,and I have more energy than I ever did.(most days ;). All the best,you are nearly there.xox Robyn
Robyn_W
Member
12 years ago
Isn't it great to finish chemo? I was tired when I first finished,but I came good quickly!I didnt have radiation,so I can't help you there.But I can tell you, that I am almost 3 months past chemo,and I have more energy than I ever did.(most days ;). All the best,you are nearly there.xox Robyn
All_smiles
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Joy , I hope you will be finished soon too Take care, Sophie xxx