86 year old father finished last treatment now what to expect?

Marie59
Marie59 Member Posts: 6
in Anal Cancer #1

lHi everyone,

These discussion boards have been so helpful in learning about symptoms to expect while my father went through treatment. Thanks for all of this helpful information. He completed his last treatment on Thursday. His last week of chemo was the week before. He's sore, tired and experiencing some nausea - all the symptoms you all have endured.

I'd greatly appreciate some advice and guidance on what to expect now that treatment is over. We know the chemo side effects will occur for at least another week or two and we will be seeing the doctors as a follow-up. Did you find you felt stronger once the treatments stopped, even a little after the first week or so? His legs are weak using a walker and wanting so badly to switch to a cane - we feel it's too soon but he's very stubborn and has golf on his mind - his passion and it will start up in mid-April so a good goal. We're going to try some light leg lifts and there are some programs at the nearby YMCA that I'm going to look into.

Thanks so much and God Bless each and every one of you as you fight to the CURE!

 

Comments

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    edited February 2018 #2
    Marie59...

    Congratulations to your dad on completing this treatment! Everyone is different in how quickly we bounce back but it sounds like he is determined to get there. (Some people much younger than he take a long time to get their energy back, so do not let him do too much too soon while his body heals) My dad lived to golf as well and would have been the same!

    I had some related complications, but even with that, it seems that I noticed a big turn towards feeling good about 2-3 weeks after my last treatment. The Y in my area has some great programs, but also just walking can be beneficial and easy to take breaks when needed. I used resistance bands to build up muscle in my legs too. Start slow, and expect a couple steps backwards at times...its just the way it is. Encourage him to eat healthy protiens to build muscle also, but know that the digestive system takes a hit at this time so some foods may cause issues. I kept a food journal for a little while until I learned what my body could handle and when. And, remind him to rest often!

    I will pray for successful recovery and a great season on the course for your dad!

    katheryn

  • Marie59
    Marie59 Member Posts: 6
    #3
    eihtak said:

    Marie59...

    Congratulations to your dad on completing this treatment! Everyone is different in how quickly we bounce back but it sounds like he is determined to get there. (Some people much younger than he take a long time to get their energy back, so do not let him do too much too soon while his body heals) My dad lived to golf as well and would have been the same!

    I had some related complications, but even with that, it seems that I noticed a big turn towards feeling good about 2-3 weeks after my last treatment. The Y in my area has some great programs, but also just walking can be beneficial and easy to take breaks when needed. I used resistance bands to build up muscle in my legs too. Start slow, and expect a couple steps backwards at times...its just the way it is. Encourage him to eat healthy protiens to build muscle also, but know that the digestive system takes a hit at this time so some foods may cause issues. I kept a food journal for a little while until I learned what my body could handle and when. And, remind him to rest often!

    I will pray for successful recovery and a great season on the course for your dad!

    katheryn

    Thanks so much Katheryn! Your

    Thanks so much Katheryn! Your advice is terrific and so helpful. I love the resistance bands idea this may be better to start with vs. ankle weights. And good idea to journal about the foods. Thanks again and for your prayers for recovery and golf season! :)

    Sharon

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    edited February 2018 #4
    Marie 59

    I am happy to hear that your dad's treatment has finished and I wish him a speedy recovery!  I felt much improved after about 10 days post-treatment and I hope he is soon feeling much better too.  As soon as he is able to get some exercise, such as walking, that should be to his benefit.  Walking on a treadmill would be great, since he can hold onto the handrails.  The YMCA might even have a water exercise program for seniors in the pool.  The resistance from the water is very good for strengthening muscles.  It would be worth looking in to.  He sounds determined to get back to normal and I know he'll get there.  Please know he's in my thoughts and prayers for a swift recovery! 

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