What to expect when treatment completed

I don't want to worry you.  Yes, it get brighter but not in the first few weeks.  After treatment you will wonder how you had the energy to get to radiation and chemo sessions.  Fatigue, you will be taking many naps.  After about 4 weeks things slowly progressed.  You will keep the water bottle handy at all times.  I got my taste back sooner than most, saliva--everyone is different.  Thanksgiving will be hard but Christmas shoud be better.  Yes, it gets brighter.

PURPLE

Your body will say “what the heck was that”.  Then you will take a drink of water and take a nap.  I am still fatigued at 20 months post (but getting better).  Saliva and eating, Hmmm, both are still improving everyday.

For me, I sampled foods from day one, but because of the awful, terrible feel of most foods I drank smoothies for 7 months.  I used to carry around an igloo cooler full of protein drinks and water when I was away from home.  I joined in on Sunday dinner at my parents’ home every weekend, many times having 1 French fry, 1 bite of chicken and 1 spoonful of potato salad.  After 7 months, things turned around and I was back to eating normal (plus water).

Whatever direction the side effects lead you, try and be happy with where you are and thankful that cancer is behind you.  Work with what is, not with what was.

Welcome to the new-normal

Matt

I knew I was limited to what i could do at my job so I worked from home for 2 months sfter radiation while someone else did the leg work. I was like Pat, I did my yard work which gave me a good workout and when I was done I napped. I planted pine trees that someday will be Christmas trees for my family. Now, whenever I take care of them I think about my battle and in a few years they will certainly have a special meaning decorated for Christmas. I got tired of being tired but also knew my limitations.

Congradulations on 4 days to go. The day after your last treatment will have a special feeling and meaning that will be unique to you.

Heal on....one step at a time.......... and realize it seems to drag on but you will get there at your own pace.

      Jeff

donfoo said:

Everyone is different

For sure, we each walk the path alone and sometimes they are similar and sometimes they are very different. My story is uplifting in that I got off pretty easy. From where youi are now, I did feel more side effects for the next couple weeks but it was gradual and slow and slight. About two weeks out was the bottom for me. I met Phrannie that week too and was feeling alright. There were days full of fatigue and I could not get up but there were plenty when I could and wondered around in a chemo fog and messed up sleep patterns. My mouth hurt like hell with ulcers and sores. Taste went down to about half but did not go off-taste.

Now, five months post, I am am nearly 100% or better. Only remaining side effect is some dry mouth during a few evenings a week. I'm more than 100% in my general health and fitness and I lost nearly 40 pounds of dead weight and feeling really trim and fit now. I hope you the very best and most speedy recovery! Don

I was warned that the weeks following tx would be rough so I was pleasantly surpised that I saw steady improvement each day. A couple of bouts of thrush, my neck and cheek turned brown and peeled but did not hurt at all and about week 3 post tx I lost the hair at nap of my neck but that wasn't painful and grew back. I did not experience issues with mucus and the sores on my lips started to improve right away. I hope you have an easy go of it. It did take about 5 weeks to completely recover my energy level. By week 6, I had more energy than I did pre-tx. I think that was due to a needed 65 pound weight loss. I have maintained the weight loss and kept the high energy level more than 1 1/2 years despite dealing with a recurrance. 

I thought I was a real trooper during the radiation and chemo treatments. Always walked when I could even though I was tired. However, the month following treatment I was very surprised how weak I became. I thought I would immediately start to feel better but no! That 1st month was the worse. Not only fatigue but awful congestion, gagging and coughing and sore throat. Now it's been 3 months and pretty much the congestion is gone , throat a little tender but I can eat anything and can do some house and yard work. Much better.  The only thing that is new now that is has been 3 months is swelling under my chin which is from the lymphtic fluids not draining. It is a little painful. Trying exercises and massage to make it better.