Finished first week of chemo/radiation

sistermoon
sistermoon Member Posts: 12
in Anal Cancer #1
Just completed first week of chemo (5 FU and Mytomycin via fanny pack pump) and radiation. I had constant nausea the first day, but was greatly helped by the anti-nausea meds. This has truly been a struggle. Being unable to do so many things I'd taken for granted (like showering) has been very trying. I've occasionally felt truly helpless.

What really floored me was the fatigue. I never imagined that I could feel so thoroughly (physically and emotionally) exhausted - there were a couple days that I could barely make it from the bed to the bathroom. This has truly been a struggle.

I was unhooked from the pump on Friday, and have felt a real sense of liberation since :-) I'm going back to work tomorrow. 5 more weeks of radiation, then re-evaluation.

The journey continues...

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    sistermoon--
    Congrats on having week one behind you and getting rid of that chemo pump! I felt liberated also when mine was removed. I also was hit by fatigue rather early--like day 2 or 3! I couldn't believe how tired I was, as I am usually a very high energy person. I made myself walk a little every day, just to keep moving and get the blood pumping. I think it did make me feel better. As you continue, listen to your body and when it says rest, you need to rest. I wish you all the best and hope you'll keep us posted.
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #3
    Sistermoon
    I know what a relief it is to get unhooked. I don't know how many times I would forget and get up without the picking up the pump, I'm just glad it didn't come out of the port. Your stronger than I, I was fortunate not to have to return to work for a month after tx ended.
    I hope you have an easy day at work. I wish you well. Lori
  • Angela_K
    Angela_K Member Posts: 374 Member
    #4
    The first unhooking . . .
    So glad that you have your first week behind you. I remember well giving them back that chemo pump after the first week and WHAT a relief it was. Funny, the second time around wasn't a big deal at all as compared to the first week.

    The fatigue hit me like a brick wall as well . . .on a 12 block hike to and from a hair salon carrying that pump. Looking back ~ what was I thinking??? I know that I didn't want treatment to hinder me in anyway. I was determined that I wasn't going to have any side effects . . .and now how I laugh at that notion.

    You will find that your journey will be similar to some of ours and not at all like others. I hope that you have an abundance of peace and comfort along the way. Taking care of your mental and spiritual health is as important as your physical.

    Many blessings to you, sistermoon.
  • Phoebesnow
    Phoebesnow Member Posts: 600 Member
    #5
    Angela_K said:

    The first unhooking . . .
    So glad that you have your first week behind you. I remember well giving them back that chemo pump after the first week and WHAT a relief it was. Funny, the second time around wasn't a big deal at all as compared to the first week.

    The fatigue hit me like a brick wall as well . . .on a 12 block hike to and from a hair salon carrying that pump. Looking back ~ what was I thinking??? I know that I didn't want treatment to hinder me in anyway. I was determined that I wasn't going to have any side effects . . .and now how I laugh at that notion.

    You will find that your journey will be similar to some of ours and not at all like others. I hope that you have an abundance of peace and comfort along the way. Taking care of your mental and spiritual health is as important as your physical.

    Many blessings to you, sistermoon.

    Sistermoon
    Congratulations on completing your first week. The second time was much easier for me also. I kept forgetting the bag and dragged it here and there, especially in the night I would forget it.

    God bless you.
  • RoseC
    RoseC Member Posts: 559
    #6
    sistermoon
    Congratulations sistermoon - 1 week down! About the fatigue, part of it could be the lead-up testing and stress all coming to a head. Hope you feel better this week. I was able to work four weeks into the treatment but my company had a great program where they'd pay for all the time I was doctors appointments and at radiation. So while I say I was 'working', I wasn't really working a full week. Get plenty of rest sistermoon.
  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    #7
    Thinking of you
    Oh this brings back memories. Rest is really important. I never thought of rest is an activity, but it turned out to be a very important activity during the time I was in treatment. Put your recovery first. Everything else will fall into place in due time.
    All the best,
    Sandy

Discussion Boards