Weeks 5 & 6

Hello Rainieday 

A huge well done for getting through this, and yes, it has often been described as some sort of awful rollercoaster than you can't get off.  I am so sorry that you had such severe side effects (I did too) and after treatment spent a great deal of time in bed licking my wounds - not literally, obviously!  But sometimes you lie there and wonder what side effect will come next.  Constipation (be careful, that diarrhoea can turn overnight!), I had peculiar funny smelling nights sweats (which I haven't heard anyone else complain about), excessive loss of muscus, and yes, the overwhelming fatigue, not to mention open sores back to front.  But hang on in there, things will start to improve shortly, just keep telling yourself you will never have to go through that treatment again.

If the pain gets too much, please ask for some other meds; there are stronger ones available that do blunt what you are going through.

And thank you for taking the time to update us when things are so hard for you.

Gentle hug right back

Irene xx

Hi Rainieday ,

I'm so very pleased to hear that you’ve finished your treatment, congratulations.

The beginning of recovery can be really tough can’t it? Just try & keep in the forefront of your mind that this will get better. 

If you have very little appetite maybe you could ask your treating team or GP for some meal replacement drinks so that your body is getting the nutrients it needs to recover. 

Do whatever you need to do to get through these next couple of weeks, if that means sleeping then sleep, I could sleep the clock around during the first 11 days post treatment! Also don’t apologise for not posting, we’re here whenever you need us.

Nicola

Hello Rainieday,

A huge well done on getting to the end of treatment. I’ve been wondering how you were doing and can hardly believe you’ve managed to find the energy to update. 

It can be such a relief to finish the daily journeys ( and I know these were long for you) but the first few weeks post treatment are definitely tough.  The radiotherapy continues to work and everything can be so sore. 
Anything bowel related can be eye watering.

I hope that you have enough pain relief to get you through this challenging time and if not, don’t be afraid to ask for more.  I held off until my last few days of treatment but finally caved and have to admit that Oromorph helped in the post treatment 2 weeks.

Keep resting up and allowing yourself to heal. I know it’s hard to believe right now, but it will improve.

Sending healing hugs to you xx

Well done Rainieday.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Ally xx