Finished chemo but feeling so down.

Hi Emma.c , lots of lovely replies already from the fine folks here. Just wanted to add another welcome and also this link to an article I’ve found very helpful about ‘when treatment finishes’. Also, I didn’t have chemo so can’t add anything to that discussion but will tag a lovely lady here who has spoken about some of the issues you mentioned. And she is many years ‘clear’ so a positive story re the years post diagnosis. Hope that’s ok Lacomtekp . 
Here’s the link I hope 

www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/.../After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Sending a big virtual hug your way, HFxx

Hi

First be kind to yourself it is still very early day you will not jump back to where you were before all this

You are still going through side effects of this awful but necessary treatment don't try to do too much too soon or you pay the price with exhaustion. 

It is a busy time of year and hard when all around folk are jolly and partying and it's not how you feel. I have peripheral neuropathy it does get easier over time.

Try to think how far you have come and be proud you got through it. No one understands unless they have been there so don't expect them to. 

Ian a year round had my first chemo in Dec13 last year then radiotherapy which finished in June had a mastectomy first too. I am now excepting I will not be who I was but can enjoy life a day at a time. Love to you x

Hi Emma, I finished my chemo at the end of March and was left feeling very down as, like you, when I looked in the mirror I didn’t see the me I remembered prior to treatment.  I lost all my hair (eyebrows and most of my eyelashes apart from 1 or 2!).  Luckily my hair has come back but it’s different so now I’m getting used to the “new” me and I can say it’s okay.  It seems a cliché but take one day at a time and as you get stronger so you’ll feel better about things generally.  I got some help with building up my strength through exercise and as I started to feel stronger so I started to believe it’s okay and to accept the changes that have been forced upon me.  It’s hard but you’re still you - remember that.  Take care xx

Thank you all for all your lovely reply’s I am feeling much better and getting use to looking in the mirror and how I I look and hoping my hair starts to grow soon !! I hope everyone enjoys their Christmas and let’s celebrate how amazing we all are. X