Recovery symptoms

Hi..

Well done on getting through the treatment.  

Please be kind to yourself.. you have gone through so much.

Each person is diffrent for recovery..

Im a year down the line now and most days im ok..going to gym.. going for walks.. having  day out with my hubby..

But some days im so tired and bloated..

I know its easier said than done but try to go to gym or get some fresh air daily..and let yourself rest when ou need rest..its still really early days fir your recovery..

We are all here for you ️ 

Hi Lawton2ef539,

Welcome to the forum and well done on completing your treatment in December.

 You are most definitely not feeling sorry for yourself. I think there is a real feeling of elation on finishing treatment, then healing up and we expect to bounce straight back. I know that some do , which is wonderful but for others it takes longer.

Your body (and mind) have been through a lot and I know that the tiredness post radiotherapy can really drag on and can be so frustrating. Your body is probably still healing internally.

Its good to keep moving if you can even if it’s walks rather than the more full on things at the moment.

Its also a really difficult time waiting for those first scan results. 

It will get better, honestly and don’t be too hard on yourself. 

Sending hugs xx

Hi Lawton1ef539 You are not feeling sorry for yourself and so what if you are you are allowed youve been through a lot. Cancer isnt just the physical its mental as well but i dont think that hits most until after as you are on auto pilot during treatment just getting through each day. Its still early days for you, i finished nov 24 and still have tired days, not back to pre treatment strength at the gym, have tight hips and the occasional accident but things are improving and my oncologist tells me its early days and hes happy, im just impatient. Just go at your pace you will get there. I would also suggest asking about some therapy, its helpful to some. Sending hugs. Xx

Thank you for your reply, I guess I need to realise I’m not going to jump back to who I was before and I’m struggling with that. 
thank you for your kind words

Thank you, it’s good to hear from other people who have been through the same or similar. Seems I need more patience and kindness to myself, which I find hard. 
thank you for your kind words x

Thank you. I am going to get in touch with the care team tomorrow to organise someone to talk to. 
I am a typically impatient and a planner, but didn’t plan for feeling like this. I am so glad I bit the bullet and posted, everyone who has replied has made me feel so much better and less alone in my head

Never feel alone, we are all here for you. Xx

Hello Lawton1ef539 

We all hear you.  And most importantly, please don't apologise for posting about what you are going through, this really is your safe place and no subject is off-limits.  We get to the end of treatment and expect our lives to pick up exactly where we left them before, but often there is a new normal to come to terms with after what is a gruelling treatment. 

But please remember, it is very early days for you.  The radiotherapy carries on working for months after treatment ends and this could be contributing to your symptoms and fatigue.  You are doing so well getting out with your dog and getting exercise even though you haven't made it back to the gym yet.  Just give it time.  And when you see your oncologist, it is always a good idea to mention what you are going through too.

We will all be thinking of you when you go for your appointment, please come back and let us know how you get on.

Gentle hug, Carolyn

Irene xx

Thank you for your reply, I feel I am in the right place now with all these kind people and advice

Hi Carolyn (Lawton1ef539 ),

Another warm welcome from me & congratulations on completing your treatment.

Over the last few months your body has been battered (inside & out) by 2 extremely toxic treatments. The radiotherapy continues doing its thing for several weeks after that last session so the way you’re feeling right now doesn’t surprise me unfortunately. It sounds very typical of the fatigue brought on by the treatment. As Squeak has said be kind to yourself & rest when you need to for now, this will pass, hopefully you should gradually feel more energised. 

There’s nothing wrong with feeling sorry for yourself considering what you’ve been through, it’s tough & recovery looks a little different for us all. 

If you’re feeling down please speak with someone, there’s the helpline here at MacMillan, if you’re lucky enough to have a Maggies centre close by they offer counselling services or if all else fails speak to your treating team or GP. 

I see you have a dog to walk, mine kept me sane in my recovery, I remember when I first began walking her again, it was a struggle & the walks were short by comparison to before my treatment but my stamina gradually improved over time as will yours. 

Just a thought, have you had your bloods checked recently? if not it might be worth getting them done just to check they’ve recovered ok since you finished treatment.

Hope you start feeling better soon.

Nicola