I finished my last chemo 2 weeks ago and of course it’s natural for us all to be so determined to build up strength, do normal things, do things we used to do or even see an improvement each day…but I havent seen any improvement at all. It makes me cry that I cant change my bedding without gasping for breath and my heart thumping out of my chest. I cant sweep the kitchen floor without seeking out the nearest chair to recover. Im walking for 15 mins every day, going on my excerise bike for 10 mins a day and it’s as much as I can do. Is there hope? Will it get better soon? How much do I push myself?
hopefully today will be a better day for you, try not to push yourself to much, I’m thinking walking, and on your bike it quite a lot after what your body has been through. Be kind to yourself, as lady we all want to run before we can walk.
Maybe, meet a friend for a coffee, with a gentle walk in the park to start with relax, give yourself some time to heal don’t be afraid to ask for help from a family member or a friend. Wishing you well big hug from me to you. Tili ??
What kind of pattern did you have in your other chemo cycles? The third week of my three week cycles was usually the best, but by the end of chemo you’ve got an accumulation of everything from all the previous cycles, so it can play out differently.
The good news is that things will get better from here. It’s a chemo cliche but keep moving, keep drinking lots of water and eating as healthily as you can, and be patient with yourself while you recover.
Liz, you don’t ….push yourself, that is. Your body has been filled with toxins and it does take a while to recover from that. In addition, you have suffered emotional trauma which can also affect you physically. Your BC nurse or Oncologist should have explained to you the possible long term impact of your treatment. There are some great booklets available on fatigue and caring for yourself post treatment which I was given at my hospital. Perhaps they are available on line…I think Macmillan produce them. You are right to try to build up your energy levels, but be kind to yourself. Don’t expect to return swiftly to the pre diagnosis you. Split tasks up so they are achievable , even if they take longer. You will have some satisfaction from completing tasks whilst not exhausting yourself. Fatigue is tiredness with big girl pants!! Just horrible. From experience I would also say to still reach out for practical support until your energy levels get better. I was advised to keep taking short walks every day to build strength and stamina, and to focus on what I can do NOW, rather than what I used to be able to do. No good looking back, just keep going forward . Congratulations on finishing your chemo and good luck for a bright future. Ann
don’t push yourself hunni as it will tire you out then you will look pale rest when your body tells you too don’t start doing everything around the home you ask others to do it for you and even help you, do rest and take it easy you and your body has gone through a lot I do wish you feel better soon take care and don’t go and burn yourself out as you will be straight back in hospital .
I thought I was gonna die from not breathing ( in fact called me friend just to say goodbye)
the ambulance arrived, took me to a & e
tutned it it’s chronic fatigue!!!
I was given a course of steroids
this really helped me breathing but made me fat within a week, so decided to join the gym
with very little energy, my PT gave me gentle exercise to increase my lung capacity, but also my inhaler and hales menthol cough sweet does the trick too.
Im now giving up the steroids and they have worked, I’ve lost weight at the gym and with better eating (gusto or hello fresh)
You need live food not frozen
some days I get up and within 2 hours I’m back in bed, don’t beat yourself up. Your body needs the sleep to heal itself
I always get up and score myself out of 10
I thought I’d never get above the 5! that I’ve been at for the last 5-6 months
