2 questions

hillbillycat
hillbillycat Member Posts: 79
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My last chemo was Wensday. I have felt bad the whole time and today had to come home because I completely ran out of energy and had to take moments to get my strength back even though I just had ate a sandwitch.So I had to leave work early today. My first queston is that the onc. nurse said she was surprised I did as well as I did concerning I took Ellence,cytoxin and 5fu. How can I do so well during the whole portion of my chemo and on the last feel totally out of it?I thought I would feel much better.I feel confused about all of this .....Shirl

Comments

  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    Hi Shirl, Chemo has a cumulative effect on the body. What you're feeling is perfectly normal. Those drugs will continue to interact with your body for the next few weeks. Not only couldn't I work during my 4 cycles of AC but I ended up in the hospital in isolation for 3 days following my last treatment. It sounds like you've done beautifully. Relax and give your body a chance to rebound. And congratulations on being done!!
  • muppie
    muppie Member Posts: 8
    Dear Shirl -
    I felt the same way after I finished my chemo. It sounds like you were continuing to work as you did your chemo. I did also - and never missed a day of work. I think that you push yourself so much to make sure that you do make it to work - that when it is all over, you don't have that push anymore. It is like being at the end of the race and realizng that you made it to the end and wow - that took a lot out of you. So take it easy and pamper yourself for a while. You deserve it - you have been through a lot. It will take a while to feel back to normal.
    Ellie
  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    I completely understand how you feel because everyone said that when I reached the end of chemotherapy and went on to radiation therapy, I would feel so much better. However, the weeks immediately following chemo were the ones that my husband had to drive me to the closest door for radiation, lab draws and appointments since I was unable to walk the distance from the parking lot to the building. I was so confused and disheartened. Tlmac is right: the effect of chemotherapy is cumulative. At the end of chemo, I was the most incapacitated. And the onco nurse was right, too. You did beautifully. I was physically unable to work throughout the courses of chemotherapy and for nearly six months thereafter. I'm sorry you are feeling so awful. It just takes time to regain your strength, stamina and sense of wellbeing.
    Hugs,
    Denise
  • hillbillycat
    hillbillycat Member Posts: 79
    Thanks everyone for your oppinions.It really helped me to know that it is something that comes from the chemo.I think I am like Denise,I am very let down since I hoped EVERY THING would be over with.Now I wait it out again......Hopefully for the last time....hugs also to all.....Shirl...PS It is really nice to know that there are others who understand.