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There is Life After Chemotherapy?

Less than one minute read time.
Shaka4Lyfe

I completed 16 rounds (over 5 months) of chemotherapy on 12th November.

Last Tuesday, 9 weeks later, I was in the shower, I had music playing and was singing along. I got a strange feeling, I had to pause and think about it. I then realised that the feeling was joy.

Despite the fact that my treatment is not finished yet, that it has not gone the way that I'd hoped and I'm still experiencing side effects. I somehow feel lighter.

I have not felt light for a long time, perhaps since last January when I received my mammogram recall letter.

I don't even know how I got here. Except to say that I have made efforts to not suppress any of my feelings. It has not been easy, cause even though there have been moments of joy and delight; I have mostly felt angry, sad and scared for the past year. Not pretty emotions.

So, now I'm left wondering, have I officially entered 'Life After Chemotherapy? '

Gosh! I'm getting another feeling... Could it be excitement?

Anonymous

  • So glad to hear you are so positive

  • Your words have lifted me, I love your description of singing whilst in the shower, those are the moments that raise me up. I am just 5 days into chemo and have been feeling so up and down (3 months in total to do). You are an inspiration, embrace that excitement x

  • in reply to blue skies above

    Thank you so much for your warm comments. Sending you all the positive energy.

    I loved this sentiment from another forum member. "Many more have done this before us. We can do it too."

    Tale good care, Shaka

  • Thank you for sharing your journey. I am 5 days in with chemotherapy and feeling the way you were. My mouth is now developing ulcers and is sore. Constipation is very real. Feeling exhausted all the time. And my whole body aches. I’m hoping it won’t be like this all the way through. 

  • in reply to C72S

    Hi there, thanks for your comment.

    Yep, chemotherapy is no joke. It sounds like you're having a tough time. 

    It seems we are all affected differently, even by the same drug. I'm not sure what you're having, but I had EC x 4 rounds and 12 of Paclitaxel.  EC is known to be harsh and I had a very rough time with it. Paclitaxel wasn't easy but I wasn't debilitated.

    I hope that your side effects diminish as you go forwards. Don't hold back on telling your care team about your side effects,  they can make adjustments and even reduce your dose if necessary. I understand it is safe to reduce the dosage by up to 20% and not lose effectiveness. 

    Take really good care. Sending all the hugs, Shaka 

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