Worrying all the time

I had peripheral neuropathy towards the end of my 12 weeks of weekly Taxol. My oncologist reduced the dose for my last two. 

It's obviously going to be the best thing you can do for yourself if you can hang in there and finish treatment. I found putting relaxing music and meditation onto an ipod and listening to it before, during and after chemo really helped. I think the fatigue is at least partly related to anxiety and all that adrenaline and cortisol it generates. 

I agree with Maria about the Epsom salt baths. Relaxing and great for an aching body.

My other favourite strategy was to laugh as much as possible. Borrow or hire DVD's with your favourite comedians, comedy shows or movies. We watched the entire 'Big Bang Theory' during the time I was having chemo and now we're laughing at 'Parks and Recreation' as I prepare for radiation.

I also limited the amount of time I talked, read or wrote about cancer, including time on this site. It's good to be informed and in contact but if you spend all day thinking about cancer you'll work yourself into a lather! Distract yourself with things you love to do and I think you will find this helps.

Good luck with the last part of your chemotherapy. Not long to go now. Hang in there and start a countdown to your last one.

If you are tired, then rest that is all you can do. Yes I did feel just like that. I recall feeling soooo tired it seemed it was not normal. Chemo fatigue seems like a magnet pulling you down. I have been told it is the same as chronic fatigue - where it seems there is no way out even if you sleep and then wake you are still tired.  I recall that is how I felt, but i got thru. it and I am not tired anymore.  Just take one step at a time. Ask your doc to check your iron levels, I believe low iron levels can make you feel dizzy and tired.  I recall mum making me lentils as they were soft, but I lost my taste buds so i couldnt taste anything it was all mshy and easy to eat. So yes it is definitely part of the chemo. It affects some and not others.

I had the numb fingers too, but I also had ice mitts on during chemo, and had my nails painted black so the sun doesn't erode them so much. No I didn't stop but I certainly thought about it especially towards the end where I felt my body couldnt take it anymore.

Talk to yuor oncologist or breast care nurses there is always something you can be given to help get you thru.

Just rest as much as you can, I found meditation helpful, there is a cd given out by the cancer council that has a yoga nidra meditation on it. I would also have a warm Epsom Salt bath to help with all the aches and pains.

Wishing you all the very best.

Maria333

If you are tired, then rest that is all you can do. Yes I did feel just like that. I recall feeling soooo tired it seemed it was not normal. Chemo fatigue seems like a magnet pulling you down. I have been told it is the same as chronic fatigue - where it seems there is no way out even if you sleep and then wake you are still tired.  I recall that is how I felt, but i got thru. it and I am not tired anymore.  Just take one step at a time. Ask your doc to check your iron levels, I believe low iron levels can make you feel dizzy and tired.  I recall mum making me lentils as they were soft, but I lost my taste buds so i couldnt taste anything it was all mshy and easy to eat. So yes it is definitely part of the chemo. It affects some and not others.

I had the numb fingers too, but I also had ice mitts on during chemo, and had my nails painted black so the sun doesn't erode them so much. No I didn't stop but I certainly thought about it especially towards the end where I felt my body couldnt take it anymore.

Talk to yuor oncologist or breast care nurses there is always something you can be given to help get you thru.

Just rest as much as you can, I found meditation helpful, there is a cd given out by the cancer council that has a yoga nidra meditation on it. I would also have a warm Epsom Salt bath to help with all the aches and pains.

Wishing you all the very best.

Maria333