Forum Discussion

KristyE's avatar
KristyE
Member
9 years ago

"Nasty" chemo finally over!

Sitting here revelling in the fact that the next few days should be the worst I'll feel in quite a while I hope. Had the last of 6 rounds of TCH chemo yesterday! Now onto 30 rounds of radiation to start in just over two weeks. Herceptin to continue for another 8 months. But hey, I can deal with that!

I know there have been a few links to the ABC Catalyst program put on this site. I saw it too and agree that exercise has definitely helped me cope with chemo better than I expected. I've been able to keep working, with a few days off to recover. Whilst I haven't been able to work out at the gym to the extent that I used to be able to (no arm weights due to nasty cording on the surgery side & a painful portocath site), I've kept these legs moving! The quicker I get back in the gym, the better I feel. Not sure if it's the same for everyone here, and I know a lot of you have many other issues to deal with that would make it difficult to exercise.

I guess I just want to say, if you new to this journey, find an exercise physiologist, or Physiotherapist & get some help to design a program that you can cope with. I'm seriously thinking of retraining to support the cancer population through exercise when I get done with this myself.

  • KristyE's avatar
    KristyE
    Member
    9 years ago

    Thanks Cath! A minor celebration yes, but I think the bigger one will be why the radiation is over. You never really feel up to much straight after chemo!

    Kristy

  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Kristye,

    Congratulations on finishing your chemo!!!!! Did you celebrate??? I hope you did. I too saw the Catalyst program and think it would be wonderful for the tailored exercise to be a part of the cancer treatment so that everyone can gain the most benefits with the least side effects possible.

    Hoping that you sail through your radiation treatments and get that retraining happening. How positive an outcome would that be!!!!Excellent. Wishing you all the best.  Xx Cath

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago

    I've  taken long service leave. Not how I planned to take it.

  • KristyE's avatar
    KristyE
    Member
    9 years ago

    Fourteen years! No reoccurrence then? That sounds promising! I guess it never really goes away though does it, always there in the back of your mind. Thanks for the message!

    Kristy

  • KristyE's avatar
    KristyE
    Member
    9 years ago

    I know, everyone is different. I really don't have enough sick leave to take the whole time off, but also, I find that helping others in my job has helped me to keep my mind off things. Bit worried about how radiation is going to affect me, whether the fatigue will be worse. Glad you only have 6 more to go! I was wondering how the weekly Taxol goes. I've met a few girls on that. 

    Kristy

  • JenH's avatar
    JenH
    Member
    9 years ago

    Congrats on finishing Chemo remember that was a celebration time for me... next radiation I did the countdown on that one... just remember someone hear to listen... by the way has been 14 years down the track for me :)

     

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago

    Congratulations on getting through. I manage to do some form of exercise at least a couple of times per week . Sometimes more sometines less. I think your pre chemo surgery fitness helps a lot. I've  not felt mentally able to work...nor physically really. I decided if only feeling good 1 week in 3 ...do I want to spend this at work?...nope. I am currently on weekly taxol which means less intense unwellness but arthralgia and Myalgia pain make me quite miserable and they worsen on exercise. So I need at least a couple of rest days. I guess as long as we do the best we can...it's  all we can do. I have 6 more to go...can't  wait. I find that using a warm swimming pool means I can do some exercise no matter how flat I am. Kath