Several weeks ago I wrote on this forum about my experiences following the first cycle of post-op chemo. Everything was fine without side effects (except a little vomiting) and I carried on an active life style. I have now completed three chemo cycles ( the third, hopefully, will be the last one subject to review) and I have to say the fatigue and tiredness kicked in, possibly made worse by the necessity to self-inject Accofil to boost immunity. Despite that I have been able to keep active: a trip to the coast and some easy cycling (20km), walking, and even a short kajyak trip (4-5km). On Saturday, after my last bag of poison on Friday, I did our local 5km Parkrun - walked the course in just under 45 minutes (short course?). Other side effects, apart from the fatigue, have been phlebitis ( my veins react badly to canulas), and a bio-chemical imbalance in the liver. Other than the tiredness I feel quite well. I am male and 74. My stoma and bag work well despite occasional leakage which is a stoma recipients greatest fear.
Your experiences may be quite different to mine. What I would say is this: you can't fight cancer. It is random and is caused by many variable and multiple factors. Some fit and healthy people get it, and others, who don't exercise and eat all the wrong food, are never touched by it and live on well into their 90's. It either kills you or it doesn't. What you can do is to try and live a normal life. Carry on doing all the things you used to do as if it never happened. Staying in bed all day is not going to do you any favours. Good luck and good health.
