How soon after chemo....

Hi Kris, its funny we were just talking about this at our support group. Most people said the 3month mark they could notice a difference. Others said it was closer to a year. I think when I have taken a 3month break from chemo I am just starting to feel like a human being again. Its like I am not as tired or quite as cold.

So hang in there, you've made it through the worst of it now. Congratulations on being done with chemo.

Hugs n Prayers Bonnie

not sure how it posted twice. sorry

Congrats, Kris! Every day is reason to celebrate. And yes, it will definitely take time for your body to get back to what will be 'normal' for you.

I always thought it was just me that was cold most of the time, but I've read it in nearly every post on this subject. As far as iron, look into 'dessicated liver' supplements instead if you can. There are three types of 'iron' and some can cause constipation and other problems. If you want a suggestion on the liver supplement, let me know - they work much better.

Since the chemo drugs never really leave your body completely, it will take a long time for things to taper off. To this day I do not have taste buds to speak of. I really had a rough time with mouth/tongue/gum issues both the first and second times (2000 and 2006). But, it's something I've just become accustomed to. My neuropathy went away, I believe with the help of L-Glutamine and B-6. Of course, my hair came back in several months. My hands are still a bit shakey, though, even from the episode in 2000. My visiion and hearing got better after a while. I was able to go back to my eyeglasses, whereas my vision changed during chemo and it was hard to use them.

The weight issue I have found is a much longer process and requires 'extra' work. I did get the leg swelling, and the only thing that worked for me was to get back to exercise and rev up my good eating habits. DON'T FORGET BROCCOLI for lots of reasons. It's one of the best veges you can have. Drink lots of good fluids - ironically, it helps to get rid of excess fluid. All in all, you're right - your body has been through a lot, so don't expect too much too quickly. Continue to get good rest, keep up your immune system, and just take one day at a time. As for exercise, think resistive training. It boosts testosterone, which is good for females, builds muscle which is good in preventing bone loss also, especially now that we are low in estrogen.

Take care. Visit us often. And enjoy the moments!

Luv & Hugs,
Monika

Hi Kris,

It's been 5 months for me since my last chemo, and I still have days when I hardly have any energy. The other day, I wore myself out just by vaccuming the house. So, as impressed as I am with Angela for being able to work right through chemo (can't imagine doing that), please don't think that there's anything wrong with you for still feeling weak at this point! Everyone is different. It took me about 2 months to feel relatively back to normal. I think the fact that my hair was starting to grow back helped a lot.(LOL) However, since I had another surgery at that time, followed by depression, I had a bit of a relapse for another 2-3 weeks. I only returned to work 2 weeks ago. My job is a physically demanding one, so I wasn't sure if I was ready, but working out a little more every day to get my strength back helped. After the first week of work (being extra tired and having a sore back) it got better.

With the treatments behind you, it's not uncommon to experience stress, anxiety, and depression at this point, which you could get meds for. If you're feeling emotionally down, that will effect your energy level too. The sweating and feeling cold is most likely due to hormonal changes, which should settle down after a while. For me, as the hot flashes are tapering off I feel cold more and more, but I'll take cold over hot any day!!! I heard that it can take up to a year to recover from surgery alone, not to mention the added stress on your body from the chemo. Like you said, your body has gone through a lot, and it takes time to get your stamina back. In the mean time, try not to do more than you feel up to, and rest whenever you feel the need! Go easy on yourself! Try not to worry too much about things you have no control over, and remember to eat healthy!!!

~Marianna~