5 to go! Feels like a milestone.

Hi AuroraHunter  

Not long to go now. Never worry about posting if it helps you to get things out then do it.  I personally didn't find things got much worse. I had a lot of mucous from about 5 days before the end so much that the hospital had to provide me with nappies to get to and from the hospital. Other than that my poos became painful but only for about a week. Sending hugs. Xx

Hello Aurorahunter,

Good to hear from you and great that you are almost finished. Never think that you are moaning. This is not an easy journey but only 5 more days to cross off.

The last week is a tough one, but I wouldn’t say that it got much worse. It can be a relief not to do the daily trek and to rest up more. Just don’t make any plans for the first few weeks immediately after treatment as everything remains pretty sore until you reach the turning point.  What did get worse for me was cystitis and I used diluted cranberry juice and over the counter sachets. It was also in the last week that I started taking the oromorph as had been reluctant until then but it helped me a lot.

Very best of luck with the next 5 days. Definitely a milestone. Xx

AuroraHunter

First of all (although this might be a bit late for you to hear) here on the forum you are talking to people who have all been through it and I don't ever remember anyone getting remotely fed up of hearing people saying how hard it is (not moaning).  It is a very tough course of treatment and all those who had it long ago are still on here to help support those going through it who are wondering what on earth has hit them, and can it get worse?

But here you are, with just five sessions left, you have done so well and by this time next week you will home and recuperating and resting.  I had severe side effects but even so, the relief to be able to completely relax at home was overwhelming.  And, although the side effects don't disappear immediately most people turn a corner after 10 - 14 days.  So be very kind to yourself and allow your body to heal.

Gentle hug

Irene xx 

Hi AuroraHunter

So happy for you that you are almost done. From what you've posted, the side effects do sound horrid and I hope for your sake that they don't get worse before they get better. It does seem that it varies so much from individual to individual and there is no way of predicting what will happen.

I am at the start of my journey, 3rd day today, so a long way to go! I keep looking at my schedule and have marked the key points on it, quarter of the way, third of the way etc. like Monty suggested. I'm hoping it will keep my head in a good place.

It is good to hear that, despite everything, you have felt it has passed quickly and I wish you loads of luck for the next few weeks.

Keep being strong

Jo x

Hi AuroraHunter, 

You're allowed to 'moan' here as much as you like! And it can sometimes feel quite lonely, when others around you can't fully understand what you're going through, hard as you might try to explain. 

For me, it was the first week post treatment that I got to the dreaded peak and it was extremely tough. I wondered how on earth I'd get through it, but I did. Everyone is different tho, so you may not have the same experience as me. I will say, that once healing began, it happened surprisingly quickly... and within another week I had turned a huge corner with things improving rapidly. Now just over a month post treatment, my skin is almost fully healed and the only side effects that remain are some soreness when going to the loo and fatigue if I try to do too much. I still take half a sachet of laxido every day or so, just to keep things comfortable. 

You are on the home straight! So hang in there, and remember that however bad things might get, it is only temporary. I think each of us here found a strength we never thought we had in getting through this... and you will too. It's pretty rough luck that we have to! But the alternative is a far worse scenario. 

A few more days and you can be in the comfort of your own home with time to reflect and just focus on taking the very best care of yourself whilst your body does the rest.

Jenna xx

Hi AuroraHunter ,

Amazing news that you’re now so close to the end of your treatment. Personally my side effects peaked around day 11 post treatment, they did gradually get worse over this period I’ll not lie but remember we’re all different as are our paths through this. What I will say is after day 11 things began healing & my skin that had burned during radiotherapy began repairing really quickly & before I knew it new skin had replaced the old damaged skin & everything felt so much better.

Please don’t ever be afraid to post here, the majority of us have been where you are now & know exactly what you’re going through we also know how important it is to get these feelings of your chest so don’t ever see it as moaning it’s just sharing when you need to & we’re always here to listen. 

Nicola 

Hi  AuroraHunter 

Not long to go now, the first week following treatment you might find you really notice that you’re off the chemo I know I did.

My skin and mucus side effects did ramp up in the final days of treatment and peaked at about 4 days post treatment but then healed very quickly, 10 days post I was able to wash and wipe as before and the mucus had gone, still had a little sting when having a BM but nothing significant.

I’d actually booked a couple of days AL for the two weeks following treatment to get some recovery in but really didn’t need to, ended up doing a lot of gardening and cycling instead.

Despite being more uncomfortable in the final week it really did pass very quickly so hope it does for you too and you can start the recovery process.

Monty x