5 weeks post and feel like recovery has regressed

Hi AuroraHunter 

I found it very 2 steps forward and 1 back and still do now coming up 11 months post. Its like I get to a point where I start thinking that's improved and then it goes a little backwards. My oncologist says its still relatively early days so we carry on. You will get there, just take  any wins however small. Sending hugs. Xx

Hi AuroraHunter,

I’m really sorry that you are still having such a painful time. You are absolutely not moaning. 

I do think that as Bungle1 says, that it can be a very gradual process with steps both forwards and backwards. I definitely found this, and remember how disappointing it can be to slide back. 

On my last appointment in August my Oncologist, like Bungle1’s reiterated that it’s still considered early days and this was at 9 months. This really surprised me. I don’t say this to be dispiriting, but just for context. It’s so easy to think that something is very wrong when it’s actually , although really upsetting, normal. 5 weeks is really early on  in recovery. 

I do hope that the pain eases and that your team can advise you how best to manage it in the meantime.

Sending hugs xx

Hi AuroraHunter 

If you’re in so much pain you’re really not moaning so please don't feel the need to apologise.

As others have said 5 weeks really is early on in your recovery process, after reading a lot of posts it does seem to be the case that the road to recovery can be a bumpy one.

I didn’t experience anything as bad as you’ve described even during treatment but I have found that at just over 3 months post treatment some days things can be a little more uncomfortable than others, especially if the stool has started to dry out, although unlike pre-treatment I have no issues passing them but I can get a sharp scratch, small amount of blood and discomfort for the rest of the day, all very similar to when I was having treatment.

Hope your pain eases soon as you make more progress.

Monty xx

Thank you all. I’m just very impatient…. I saw the light at the end of the tunnel and ran towards it. 

im probably expecting too much from my body and want to get back to normal. I was hoping to go on days out over half term as summer was written off (sole parent of a 10 yo). I feel I can’t plan anything. But we will have a good time regardless.

hope everyone is doing ok!

Hi AuroraHunter 

I can commiserate with you as I'm not far behind and am hoping and praying for some improvement soon. Imagine not dreading a BM or having to run for the bathroom! Imagine being able to leave the house without worrying that you might need a BM and have no way of holding it back!

Keep on fighting on, things are gonna get better and, who knows, one day we may enjoy a BM again!

Best of luck for your continued recovery and sending positive vibes xx

Hi Aurorahunter, like you I'm 5 weeks post chemoradiotherapy and was hoping to get back to some kind of normality, unfortunately I too am suffering with painful bm's that go on for hours and struggle to sit down stand up or lay down but I have spoken to my doctor who has issued a repeat prescription for Oramorph which I take just before a bm , it does'nt take all the pain away but does make it more comfortable within about 10 minutes I then go for a 20 minute walk which then allows me to lay down reasonably comfortably, it works for me so worth speaking to someone. All the best and hopefully things will start to get better for you

Hello AuroraHunter

We all reactive differently as you can see, mine took quite some time and two steps forward and one back is a pretty good way of describing it.  I was in pain for over two months afterwards and then it very gradually improved.  It can be really dispiriting in the early days when you had hope to be back to normal very quickly after what is a very taxing treatment and the immediate aftermath.

And always remember you can ring a member of your team for professional advice, many people have done this after treatment.

Big hug

Irene xx

Hi AuroraHunter ,

I’m sorry you’re suffering again but can completely sympathise as many others can I’m sure. Those first few weeks can be swings & roundabouts, 2 steps forward & 1 step back. The fatigue was the thing for me along with difficulty going to the loo! I couldn’t find a balancing act with the stool softeners etc. My oncologist told me to try & stay ahead of any pain by taking my pain relief regularly regardless of if I felt I needed it or not. 

Please don’t ever feel the need to apologise, we don’t see it as moaning I can assure you of that, this is somewhere that you can left off a bit of steam when you need to. 

I hope things begin to improve for you again really soon. 

Nicola