Dealing with health conditions after cancer

My cancer was endometrial and I had treatment in 2022. 

I had surgery and it was straightforward and I had no lasting effects from it. After surgery I went through chemotherapy and for me it has had lasting effects. I developed peripheral neuropathy and this has remained post treatment. For me it is tingling, numbness, pain and changes in sensations in my lower legs and lower arms. It does affect me everyday but I manage it the best I can. I was given pain relief from my GP and although this has lessened the pain in some ways, it has not taken away the other symptoms. What helped more was to arrange a physiotherapy assessment and get some support in that way. Although it will not cure the neuropathy, it has helped me keep more mobile and has helped somewhat with balance etc. My physiotherapist said that keeping moving and strengthening the muscles around where the weakness is will help and it also gets the blood flowing the the areas affected. Doing something proactive to deal with the side effects of treatment has helped. 

My pelvic radiotherapy has left me with long term side effects that mean regular upset stomachs and food intolerances. I manage these as much as possible through dietary changes. 

My advice to people who are having lasting affects after treatment is to speak to your CNS as soon as they start. Keep a diary of what the effects are and when they happen. Some side effects have improved with time and after having aggressive treatment the body needs time to heal. I had regular 3 monthly check ups after my cancer treatment finished and these were times where side effects could be monitored. If you are experiencing effects then do ask your team as there may well be things that can help. 

I also feel that after cancer we do not just bounce back to normal and that it can take time to process it all. I recommend the Macmillan HOPE course which can be done online and is free. I found it helpful in processing some of the emotions that as cancer patients we all go through. I found it frustrating at times to accept that the treatment that I had to treat the cancer has left me with long term effects, whereas the actual cancer itself caused little symptoms. 

Jane

Hi jane2511 

Thanks so much for sharing some of your story and that helpful advice.  It sounds like you’ve had to manage some very real long-term effects after treatment. 

What you’ve shared about peripheral neuropathy and the steps you’ve taken is really helpful and practical. 

I also really appreciate what you’ve said about the emotional side of life after cancer and how it takes time to process, and that finding resources like the HOPE course can make a difference.

Hi Dylan,I had 10 hours of life saving surgery for bladder cancer.I’m living well now with a urostomy but the recovery process was hard.
I got very depressed because I was recovering alone during lockdown and lacked motivation.What helped was to find a gentle hobby to take up.I started painting and drawing and genealogy was an interest that was easy to do online as there are free sites.I wasn’t well enough to do gardening which I love but sitting in the garden helped.Nature is healing.
I wrote a list of 3 small things I wanted to achieve each day and on bad days would tell myself it would get better.I phoned Macmillan and made good use of the wonderful community here.

It’s important to listen to your body after surgery.It will give you signs if you have done too much.It’s almost 6 years since my operation but even now I will feel sick if I do too much.I have struggled with a lack of stamina since the operation.I feel it’s best to pace yourself and may be have a little rest between chores or whatever you are doing.If I have a job to do that is daunting I take a photo of it beforehand and then may be one in the middle before an end photo when it’s done.I started this when I was clearing the house after my mum died and have continued as it helps with motivation especially as I live alone.
You do have to process what you have been through but once that feels ok you can look forward.
Jane 

I agree, listen to your body. I am almost 3 years post treatment and still have fatigue when I overdo things. I still have to pace myself. Resting is part of the healing process.  I found getting out an about in nature helped and like you spent time in the garden just relaxing when I felt unwell. 

Am glad you found the community helpful.

Hi Jane,I’ve been packing boxes today and have had to rest between tasks.I enjoy nature too,being able to sit outside helped during the recovery.

Hi winkers60 

Thank you so much for sharing your experience here. It sounds like you found some great ways to adapt and keep moving forward, even through such a difficult recovery and lockdown.

Those are some great tips and ideas. I really like how you’ve highlighted the importance of pacing yourself and listening to your body. 

It’s wonderful to hear that you made use of the Macmillan support line and connected here in the Online Community. 

Thank you again for taking the time to share.

Thanks Dylan,The good people in the community here really helped me through the recovery and my mothers death.Jane 

Fortuitously after six weeks of radiotherapy for throat cancer I am relatively free of any serious side effects apart from xerostomia. This generally means I have to be OCD over oral hygiene and visits to the dentist so I’m not really a candidate for your blog. BUT would you consider linking to this essay which resonates with so many people in recovery. 

https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Hi. I had a lumpectomy for early stage breast cancer just over 2 years ago & I have chronic pain on that side. The slightest pressure is painful. But the main thing (which of course might have happened anyway as I'm 66) is that a year after my treatment I started developing a whole load of other health problems that also cause me pain. It feels as if I've aged 10 years. I don't know if it's related to having to stop HRT but I'm no no longer able to be the active person I was before & am struggling with depression for the first time.

My last cancer was radiotherapy enduced sarcoma of the right breast. Previously I had cancer removed from the same breast followed by radiotherapy. Before surgery I had weeks of chemotherapy. I had surgery 15 months ago which resulted in complete removal of the breast right down to my ribs as the sarcoma was very invasive. I had to have skin grafts taken from my thigh to cover the ribs. I don’t think I will ever get over this surgery as the after effects are awful. My body image is not very nice to look at and it will take years for me to get used to it. I only have 75% movement in my right arm and I also have anfter  effects from the chemotherapy. I now have to have chest X-rays for life as the sarcoma could end up in my lungs. I am 75 but I think if i was a lot younger these body images would be far more traumatic. Just to mention I had very invasive vulva cancer 25 years ago.