After chemo

Hi I’ve been on tamoxifen for about 18 months and I experienced the loss of oestrogen initially as “feeling 10-20 years older” (I’m 55). Looking back I think it was a combination of the drug and recovering from chemotherapy.  Luckily everything settled down and I’ve adapted - I won’t pretend I’m back to how I was pre-cancer but I feel very well.  It does take time, mentally and physically.  My focus has been on healthy lifestyle and better diet.

Hi

Glad to hear you have got through treatment and are back at work.  I think you're right that some of your symptoms are to be expected post-chemo as it is such an onslaught on your body.  My chemo finished April last year, surgery early May and RT Jun/Jul.  I've been on tamoxifen for about a year.  Many of the symptoms can also be related to menopausal symptoms caused by the lack of oestrogen that the tamoxifen is effecting.  Difficult to tell which is which.  My main SE has been joint pain and stiffness.  I take Omega 3 fish oils plus another joint supplement by 7 seas that  has turmeric in it.  It's made a big difference to the pain.  I think it's unavoidable that you get stiff if you have been in one position for a while though.  I have just accepted that and am fine once I'm on the move.  At work, they have given me a vari-desk that I can stand or sit at - great for your back and hips.  

My anxiety lingered for a long time after chemo and was very acute for a while, constantly thinking the worst.  I think when you are low physically, it brings you low mentally.  So just getting physically better helps.  My low mood hit about 6 months after chemo finished but we were coming into winter.  I sought counselling at Maggie's and made an effort to exercise more, both of which helped me mentally.

A year on, I feel so much better on all counts.  It just takes time for your body to heal from such intensive treatment and to adjust to the tamoxifen and a 'new normal'.  I'm not 100% yet.  I do still get some fatigue and have to watch my energy levels.  Prioritising a good night's sleep, a good diet and a bit of exercise every day helps a lot.  

All the best, and take care.

Linda xx