Who else, 3yrs 5 month on from ending chemo, after high anterior resection, still suffers with fatigue, low mood, intolerance of many things! And persistent neuropathy in their feet! Burning at night and pins & needles in their day!
My son is 17 months past his operation which ended with a stoma and his personality has changed he was always happy go lucky but now he is arguing and finding fault with everything. He can't sleep and always has fatigue.
My personality changed two years after my op. On the day I got diagnosed my then 20 year relationship broke down. So had that to contend with. I settled into my new house and life then became angry because none of this would have happened if I hadn't had cancer. I used to be submissive but now will argue with anyone. I won't tolerate a lot of things but did get a gorgeous rescue dog who is now my world. I found happiness through her. I did get counselling too and that helped a lot.
Time heals but we will never be the same as we were pre cancer. I used to travel the world. I ended up with LARS but again, this week I took my granddaughter to London and had a full long day out. I felt happy again.
Hello PumpkinPatch, Re the persistent neuropathy you mention, I have written replies at some lenghts over the last 2 years on this difficult issue. You may find if you can access my responses to various people.
In brief, following right large bowel cancer surgery and Capox chemotherapy in 2023, I have suffered 24/7 with veery uncomfortable peripheral neuropathy, with with cold/hot/tingling/numbness feet and lower legs especially, and fingers to a lessert extent. To help I wear slightly loose or oversize cushioned shoes, warm loose socks in winter, light loose socks in summer, and in bed! Occasionally heat pads in the shoes can help. I am 82 but thankfully relatively fit. I walk often which helps, several miles each week. Massaging a skin cream into the legs and feet 2 or 3 times a week at least can help. Its all about actions that help to take the mind off the continuous discomfort of permanent neuropathy. When it ocasionally gets too bad, sitting with legs up supported or lying in bed for a little can help. Sitting for too long with legs down, e.g. on a desk chair, does seem to increase the discomfort.
I have not, as yet, taken any medication for my neuropathy but have not ruled out maybe in the future. Medical advice needed for this.
Don't think that my my personality has changed but maybe a little crankier now and then, maybe due to age and occasional acute surges in neuropathy discomfort.
I hope this helps and that your son's neuropathy gradually eases, as some do. One learns to live with it and it can be out of the conscious mind for short periods each day.
