Treatment is over. Where did 'normal me' go?
I remember at the beginning of all this, when I was undoubtedly stronger and determined to fight and determined to be proactive in my treatment every step of the way, writing down a list of questions...
Forum Discussion
Hi Nadine,
Gosh, you have really had so many extra bits to contend with you poor thing. The others are all right when they say give yourself some time. It is so hard, we do want to feel normal but it DOES take time.
Fatigue from cancer treatment is not like just being tired. I remember feeling overwhelmed and just needing to put my head down and have a kindy nap a lot of days for months after I finished treatment.
I eventually worked out that I just could not do what I used to do. My energy levels were depleted from treatment and if I tried to do too much I would just exhaust myself. I had to replenish those energy levels and that meant finding a new balance in life. I had to put myself first or I was no good to anyone and I actually felt that I would make myself sick again!
For me it was important to do more of the things that helped give me energy, like taking time for a walk each day, noticing the good things around me etc AND less of the things that took my energy (this really involved not putting pressure on MYSELF and expecting too much!). I learnt to say no occasionally and also to ask for help.
The more that you struggle against things rather than listening to what your body needs the longer it will take to recover, I found. It IS hard to adjust those expectations but often the person that is hardest on us is ourselves. It's ok to take it slow, in fact your body simple will not let you do it any other way.
Really hope you find a way to make it work for you and start to feel better soon. You have had more than your fair share of extras on top of treatment. Sending you a hug, you deserve a break.
Deanne xoxo