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What kind of chemo where you on?  Also how are you having a hard time adjusting? 

I am just 3 mos done with chemo R-Chop & shots and I am still trying to gain weight and grow my hair. I was having muscles spasm type aches at times but thankfully those have finally gone away.  I am still not back to normal and not sure what normal will be now when I get there.

I can only say to have patience. Your body went through a heck of a lot with the treatments and it just isn't going to recover overnight. It takes time and everyone is different - and Yeah I hate that phrase too but it is true.

Good Luck!

erikad said:

HI,
 
I did ABVD treatments,

HI,

 

I did ABVD treatments, I too lost my hair and actually gained alot of weight. Which I am not to concerned with itll come off Im having a hard time with the hair tho. I will never be the same person I was before I can tell ya that much i just find myself crying alot i dont know I feel great but seem to be depressed once n awhile, Im trying so hard to deal with everything but I feel alone at times my life just like yours took a wild ride for months and now i m left with all my emotions that have built up. Good luck on ur recvery and yes that phrase is true much easier said tho.

 

 

 

Welcome Erika.  You'll find lots of supportive and caring folks here and please know you are NOT alone . Your hair will grow back - it may be a little different (especially at first) but it will grow back.  In the meantime, it helps to try to make the best of it - find some fun hats, scarves, etc. and experiment with the look.  You can be funny, daring, or creatively make a new fashion statement!  

Please know you are normal in feeling depressed and alone - it will get better.  Hang around here and I'm sure someone will make you smile despite yourself .  I didn't mind the loss of hair on my head so much (got cold so I wore knit caps alot) but the rest of my body - different story.  It was so "breezy" in the nether regions and when the plentiful hair on my chest disappeared, I realized I had "man boobs".  It was alarming at first but I knew it was temporary and now all the hair is back.  I saved a lot of money on shampoo and shaving supplies.  The loss of eyelashes and most of my eyebrows did make me look more like an alien - I love science fiction so I learned to laugh at it - "take me to your leader" .

Many here talk about the "new normal" after cancer. Our lives are changed and will never be the same but there really are some positives to this journey.  It's a difficult experience, Erika - we all have freaked out at times.  One thing that helps is to simplify your life, listen to your body, take things one day at a time, and celebrate the many beautiful things that don't cost a dime.  So much of what was "important" to me before cancer is of little value now.  I'm thankful for that.  

Do something nice for yourself and big hugs to you,

Jim

erikad said:

Thank You u def made me

Thank You u def made me laugh, I know this is normal Im just not usually this sad. I've been having fun with the hair alittle also, I do have another question....Has anyone elses family turned thier backs on u? My family has not been there for me I did everything alone, treatments, testing etc I think that has alot to do with my mood lately...Again thans for making me smile

 

Erika

Hi Erika - glad I made you smile .  You have to laugh in the face of your enemy sometimes.  You're definitely not alone here, Erika and we are kind of a family here so don't forget that.  I think a lot of it boils down to fear and ignorance and certain problems with our society.  Some advice I would offer is reach out to your family and communicate.  Don't be afraid to ask for help and support if you haven't already.  If that is not successful, try to let it go and forgive them - you don't need another monster gnawing at you from the inside.  I know this is much easier said than done.

I hope things get better for you.

Big hugs,

Jim