Treatment is over. Where did 'normal me' go?

Hi Nadine,

"active treatment apart from herceptin"! Honey you are still in active treatment. You are suffering the side effects of the radiotherapy, let alone chemo. You've been through hell and are STILL going through hell. You are trying to get back to work. You've lost 10kgs in 6 weeks! Love, give yourself a break! Of course you want it over but the fact is, it will take probably 2 years after finishing active treatment before you start to feel more like your old self. I finished active treatment 12 months ago and a couple of weeks ago, I made a post about how good I was feeling, FINALLY. Well, that lasted all of two and a half weeks. I got a bout of gastro which ended with me being taken by ambulance to hospital with what appears to be angina. I am back to feeling absolutely exhausted all of the time and all I want to do is sleep. I'm back on the round of doctors and tests again.  I have had the week off work and don't even feel like I've had a rest. If you thought that you would be coming good by NOW, then your expectations were unrealistic. Try doing an oncology rehab course if at all possible. They will help with your expectations, ways of dealing with the exhaustion, improving the way you feel (both physically and emotionally). I have learnt not to allow my batteries to get lower than 30% because it takes so long for me to recharge if it gets lower than that. Hang in there. You are doing so well. I know you don't feel like it but you are. Don't forget to find some time to just rest. I hope the next lot of tests go well for you. Take care. Karen xox