Recovery

I think a lot of us will recognise at least some of those side effects in our lives post treatment.  Like you I find things come and go, both physically and mentally.  You are not alone and, as you know, this is a safe place to express these feelings and seek comfort whenever you need.  I hope the coming year brings more improvement and stability for you.

Hello Tomatoes12,

Those side effects keep us on our toes, don't they! It can be hard to adjust to our new "normal" but as you say, helping others keeps us grounded and somehow makes our journey worthwhile if we can help someone else going through a challenging time.

I have also been going through my belongings and having a good clear out - as you say it's shocking how much "stuff" we accumulate. I have also found much joy in the memories some items have brought up.

Regarding your tiredness, have you had your thyroid checked? I asked my GP for a full MOT as I was feeling so fatigued all the time. After a couple of blood tests, I was told that I had Hypothyroidism - probably due to the radiotherapy and have now been given medication. As for sleeping, I use the Headspace App which has some lovely "Sleepcast" stories which help me get to sleep and some nice sleep music to help me drift back off if I wake up during the night.

You are doing so well for 2 years and I wish you a Happy and Positive New Year.

Best wishes, Debbie x

Hi Tomatoes12, recovery can be a long-drawn-out thing, with many ups and downs along the way. many of us here will relate to what you have said, so it's good to get things off your chest with those who understand how you feel. It's hard for people who haven't had first-hand experience of what a journey this can be, possibly they think we have had treatment look ok and that's it, back to normal life, which we all know for most that's not the case. After the brutal treatment it does take some getting your head round, what has just happened to you, and the side effects we are left with. Things will still improve for you as time goes by, I'm over 7 years post treatment now, and I still see small improvements from time to time. We are all here for each other, with a listening ear.

Ray

Hi It’s still early days  into recovery and what you're feeling many of us have been through. As Debbie said have your bloods checked as we are at risk from radiotherapy of hypothyroidism I’m over 6 years post chemo radiotherapy and had my annual bloods taken in Friday ,please make sure you get yours checked and you  need your T4 and TSH levels checking annually for life. When I had mine checked in Friday I had to remind the nurse to get both numbers checked as it’s nit usually done on routine bloods, it’s down in my records to be done but a reminder doesn’t go amiss.

Radiation fatigue takes its toll I learnt to listen to my body and have 20 minute power naps when I needed them no matter what time if day..Plus try to do a small walk every day gentle exercise is shown to aid recovery it doesn’t need be far, I started by walking to nearest  lamppost then daily extended the walk. I did this from end of treatment. 

it’s as Peter says a safe place on here to vent rant or just update us   

hugs 

Hazel 

Hi Tomatoes 12. It can take a long time for our bodies to adjust physically and emotionally to the changes and challenges after HNC. You are doing really well and doing all the right things to get there. I strongly identify with how you are feeling. I too have had my upper palette removed, mine due to jaw cancer. I had an op in 2019 and another in 2012 when I had my upper jaw removed. It takes a bit of adjusting to and I miss all the things you mentioned. I don't look quite the same as before but in my head I am the same. Like you I have found getting out there again and participating in life has really helped. I volunteer at my local library, go lap swimming, have joined a friendship group. It took a while for me to feel able to get out there again but I am glad that I did. I have been given another chance at life so don't want to waste it. I am still on 3 monthly checks but same as you am hopeful that I will reach the 5 year milestone cancer free.

Lyn

Should have said that my ops were in 2019 and 2022 not 2012