Chemo end and when can you do things

I finished chemo just before Xmas 22 and I have felt almost reluctant to rejoin the real world. Initially it was a real effort to go out, even to the superrmarket but now I have overcome my fear and have been able to go out to eat, going to a lbig wedding in 2 weeks time and a spa weekend mid April. My oncologist did advise that during chemo to try and limit social contact as the imune system is compromised by chemo but I took the low social contact to heart and post chemo almost considered going out as being dangerous and I quite liked my social bubble- not good really but I have worked through the fear and almost back to normal, whatever that turns out to be. 

I was really lucky with food, I could eat anyhting more or less straight away but have heard others comment on introducing food types slowly. Good luck to us all in finding our new normailty but we will get there from Mel to kiwimel xx

Congrats on finishing chemo kiwimel!

I've been advised that once i get to end of chemo, that i'll still be immune compromised and at risk of sepsis for 2-3 months after finishing. So maybe take steady steps when re-engaging with higher risk environments like jacuzzis?

As for spicy food - i've found introducing in very small amounts and building up slowly has been working well. I can already do jalepenos

I think it may depend on your chemo  and general health. I'm 80 with Parkinson's and getting palliative care, ie no cure. This includes chemo and my oncologist suggested that my wife and I go out and do things, while still taking the usual precautions everyone should take even though they don't.

I guess that makes sense.

I have to carry red card (sepsis alert) + preapproved meds for 6 weeks after last chemo cycle end too.

Hi, I finished 8 cycles of CAPOX last October and my oncologist gave me the all clear to travel to Southern Spain 3 weeks later.  To be honest, it was probably a bit soon as I hadn’t realised quite how much chemo takes it out of you, but nevertheless we had a fab time, hired bikes and went on several walks.  I did what I wanted when I wanted after that, but everyone is different and chemo affects us all in different ways too.  Chemo for me was tough, and I put on over a stone in weight, got bad neuropathy in my feet, and my stomach and bowel were all over the place.  I was just relieved to get it over with and have ever since gone a bit mad and done loads to make up for the time lost last year, and the fact that I have been fortunate enough to have the time now to do what I want.

go for it and enjoy!

Well done, kiwimel , on completing your chemo! Your immune system will be compromised for 2 or 3 months after, but I think it may depend on which you had and for how long. So take care for just a little longer!

Hi Kiwimel

Congrats on completing your Chemo, I hope the side effects where not to horrendous.  

When you complete the form for a Spa day, tick the box cancer and they will ensure the oils used will not be harmful for you.  I went for a back, shoulder and head massage and felt like a brand new person.  

Did this in Feb this year after I had to stop my Chemo due to toxin poisoning.  Today I went for a mani and pedi and again it is great because we must be kind to ourselves.  

Enjoy your normality as you introduce it back into your life xxx