Hi Ladies, have just finished 6 cycles of chemo and its been very tough. after my last treatment 3 weeks ago i have gained about 11lbs in fluid and the seroma I had after surgery ( which i had drained 5/6 times has come back ) i am also experiencing significant pain in my legs particularly in my quads and hamstrings as well as increased numbness in the soles of my feet. I am about to satrt rad this week. Am trying to battle through by getting out and walking and cycling a liitle but the pain was so bad the other day i had to get off the bike and ask my 10yr old son to wait till i caught up with him. before treatment i was able to run 10k and was fit and well. Has anyone else had the seroma return and gained this much weight this quickly, is their anything i can do to help improve things. Starting to get me down. Also how long before my legs start to feel like they belong to me as some days by the time i climb the stairs they hurt. Also dont sleep very well anymore. sorry for all the moans but just want to try and gauge how much longer these side effects will linger and if radiotherapy might complicate things. Any advice would be really appreciated.
Dear coachingmama
Welcome to the BCC forum. I’m sure other members will soon be along to offer you some support.
You might also find it helpful to talk things over with one of our helpline staff. They can offer you practical information and emotional support. The opening hours are 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays. The number is 0808 800 6000.
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hi, sorry to hear it’s been rough for you . I would expect it would be a few weeks yet before you start to feel normal again, if your last treatment was only 3 weeks ago. I’m sorry I don’t mean that to sound depressing, just that you need to give yourself time to recover - your body has been through a lot. Of course it does vary with everyone.
Perhaps you could contact your chemo unit and ask their advice - they should be able to tell you if what you are experiencing is ‘normal’. My chemo ends at the end of October, but I don’t expect to be feeling like myself for a good month at least after, judging by how I’ve been feeing just before each treatment after each 3 week period. I understand your frustration, the side effects do wear on you - my activity levels, both mentally and physically have dropped to zero compared to before starting Chemo - I keep having to remind myself that I need to be patient, and not push myself, and allow myself to rest and just do nothing when I need to - not easy!
Hang in there! It will get better!:smileyhappy: