Chemo / radiation

Hi Elly, so sorry you are feeling rough still. I do believe it is still early days, especially with the radiotherapy. Hang in there, it will get better xx 

Hi Chelle thanks for the reply , I know we’ve chatted about the fatigue peak but it’s all the other stuff that’s getting me down a bit …. I spoke to macmillan and she says I was probably expecting too much and like you said its early days but I’m just losing my positivity at the mo … I thought that if I chatted to others who felt the same at this stage it’s make me feel a bit better to know it’s not me and my own anxiety etc … hope you’re settled into your new place much love Elly x

Of course Elly, hopefully some one who has had the chemo/ radio will be along soon to chat as well, as you know i have only had radiotherapy. I do think everything you are feeling is normal though. I think we all want to run before we can walk xx 

Yes I’m sure you’re right love , I find it hard to accept feeling ill all the time … it’s frustrating and a bit scary , thanks Chelle x

Hi Elly

Sorry that you are not yet feeling 100% post treatment.

Apologies  that I begin with the cancer mantra that everyone reacts differently to both the treatment and the subsequent recovery.

The tiredness will last for a while yet so rest when you need to but also try to do things that will improve your stamina e.g  go for a walk and get some fresh air and exercise, hit the January sales to treat yourself to something nice and grab a coffee and slice of cake! 

The back and chest tightness is caused by  the scar tissue from the radiotherapy; this will slowly ease as your body begins to heal itself

If it still hurts a little to eat then it is no wonder that your appetite has diminished; just continue to eat the 'soft stuff' until the soreness eases/goes. What better time than Xmas/New Year to eat all the stuff you may normally limit yourself;e,g trifle, ice cream, cake etc  In the short term, high calory foodstuff is the key, even if it is not the healthiest. My saviour was grated cheese, as I added it to everything hot such as scrambled egg, mashed potato, soups etc.

For me, the key to recovery was to get back to some sort of normality. I returned to the office days after my post treatment scan appointment. Probably way too soon as I looked liked death warmed up, but so necessary for my mental wellbeing. N:B this is not something I would recommend, just something I knew I needed to do.

Sadly there is no magic solution, you simply have to find what works for you. As Chelle has said, it will get better.

Hope this helps a bit.

Kegsy x.

Aw love what a great reply thank you , I probably needed to hear that …. I am getting my stamina back up , it’s  just too blumming slow for my impatience … but then I realised I’m back st 5000 steps when I couldn’t get to the corner of my road 3 weeks ago … sales and cake sound good although immunity just a bit low and I don’t fancy covid just yet to deal with …. Elly x