Hello! I finished my treatment last September which included 5 weeks of daily radiotherapy post surgery and post groin drains. As winter has come round, I realise that my immune system has taken a battering as I’ve been virus-y since Christmas (hardly ever got a cold pre-cancer).
I’ve started doing exercise again and think I’m eating fairly healthily…
Can anybody share top tips on how to boost the immune system post cancer treatment, please? TIA
Hi Jo85 and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and, although I'm not a member of this group, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.
I had both chemotherapy and radiotherapy after surgery to treat breast cancer. I wasn't given any specific advice to boost my immune system but I do try to walk daily and to eat a balanced diet. You might find this information from Macmillan helpful.
While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi Jo85
Well done for completing all your treatment and getting through all the radiotherapy. I also had pelvic radiotherapy and the 25 sessions seem to take forever.
My cancer was endometrial and I had surgery, radiotherapy and also some chemo and it definitely takes time to recover both physically and mentally. I found I did pick up bugs, partly due to immune system recovering but also I think as I was starting to do more and to go out and mix.
I think recovery takes time and the steps you are taking by starting to exercise and trying to eat a healthy and balanced diet will help. I found I had a fair amount of fatigue as well so pacing myself and building up slowly- with chances to rest- were best.
Are you having regular check ups now treatment has finished? I found these were an opportunity to talk about recovery. I talked with my CNS about which supplements I could take to help generally recover. We also talked about general diet advice because I had a lot of tummy effects from the radiotherapy that left me with some food intolerances.
I recently complete the HOPE course through Macmillan and there is lots of useful advice in there.
Online HOPE programme for your patients | Macmillan Cancer Support
This link will take you to some more info about recovery and at the end there are some links to some booklets that may contain some more helpful info.
Recovering after cancer treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support
There is also some info on the Heart Foundation website by an NHS dietician.
What should I eat to boost my immunity? - BHF
Hope this helps and I wish you well with your continued recovery
Jane
