After treatment

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I was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. I received radiotherapy every day for a month and chemotherapy for three months. My last chemotherapy was 20th of January. 

I have been feeling pretty ok and been taking short walks throughout my treatment when possible. Particularly, a few weeks after finishing radiotherapy. 

However, I went for approximately a four mile walk on Sunday and have felt knocked out since. I am very tired, grey complexion and my legs ache. My question is, is this normal? 

Thank you 

  • Hi Australia

    Welcome to our online community. I’m Sarah, one of the cancer information nurses that works on the Macmillan support line.

    I am sorry to hear that you were feeling knocked out and struggling after your walk Sunday. We do have information on our website about managing side effects but would encourage you to be assessed by your hospital team as a priority.

    Some cancer treatments unfortunately do affect healthy cells in our body such as your blood cells and the body’s own immunity (ability to fight infection). During chemotherapy you can be more vulnerable to the risk of possible infection. It is important to know how to reduce the risk of this and what to do if you feel unwell or are concerned around any new symptoms.

    If you feel unwell, shivery or feverish it is important to check your temperature. Ensuring you have a thermometer at home can help you check your temperature, if needed. Any spike in temperature above 37.5 ⁰C and particularly above 38⁰C should be to be reported to your oncology team at once for advice and support. If you are unable to get in touch with anyone directly then you should contact 111 or 999 at once.

    Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to talk things through. Sometimes it’s better to talk to one of our nurses so we can gain a better understanding of the current situation and give you the best guidance.

    I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

    Best wishes,

    Sarah B

     

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email

    Ref/ SS/LA

    Sarah S-Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist