Hitting the 5 week wall

Hi Sandy. I can tell you I felt pretty poorly for a month after treatment end and I had only six weeks. I slept a lot and food went via pump overnight. It’s just a case of plodding on. I did need looking after. I think it might be prudent to take another three weeks off. 

I finished chemoradiotherapy for tonsil and neck cancer over 2 years ago, and yes the final 3 weeks are tough.

When CRT treatment finishes the radiotherapy is still doing its work, 2 weeks after most of us are in a dark place but things do slowly get better, low mood for patients is pretty normal so keep on top of the pain meds, no need to suffer in silence.

Carers are vital to patient recovery so try to make sure you give yourself some respite time...you deserve it.

As for work? I am retired so is my Wife but it really is a judgement call only you can make, employers are usually very sympathetic to carers who require time off.

Hello Sandy, I can only tell you about our story. My husband had 6wks RT and 2 circles of CT. From week 3 side effects seem to arrive all at the same time and it became heartbreaking to watch him having to go through all this. Not able to help was the hardest part. All I could do was be there and support him as much as I could.After treatment side effects seemed to peak and it took about 6 wks for them to slow down. Sometimes it felt like we took two steps forward and one back. That's when my husband felt more down wanting to give up, I had to be strong enough for the both of us. As to going back to work, I couldn't go back to work for about 6wks, only part time, when he got a bit stronger and we were both happy for him to be alone for longer, I increased my hours. I guess this is something you both need to decide on. All I can say is, don't rush into anything,prepare for some setbacks, persevere and you will get there. All my best wishes. Fellow wife Mel x

Hi Sandy, the last few weeks are not pleasant.. Sickness was a tough gig.. 

I was admitted to hospital at the start of my final 2 weeks, as I also 'hit a wall'.. when I was released I was still suffering from terrible sickness, just spent most of the time laying down, as I didn't have the energy to do anything else.. If you can, take time off work, as it maybe a tough time for your husband, too.. and seeing your husband in such a state might not have a positive effect on your state of mind, especially if you're  working in a stressful environment..

but, everyone is different, so just be prepared.. things may not turn out to be as bad as you think.