[Ana & Alex] wrote:Talking about enjoying life and life changes after chemo brings me to mixed feelings. I haven't changed much, although I would love to travel more, work a little less, go crazy and enjoy the day - but with my 2 year old I must say, I am not the priority in my life, even after having cancer.
O Stoma Mia wrote:I read somewhere (but I can't remember where) that the two most frequent complaints post-chemo are (1) extreme fatigue, and (2) elevated anxiety levels
O Stoma Mia wrote:Most major cancer hospitals have survivorship programs in place to address such issues during the 5-year post-treatment surveillance period
susie0915 wrote:I did just have a meeting with a survivorship nurse about 3 weeks ago. I am a year and a half out of treatment. It was good, as they go over your entire treatment program, and you can talk about any anxiety you may have which is helpful. She was also able to send a order to the SPA at my cancer center for acupuncture to maybe help with neuropathy. I've had two treatments so far, no big improvement yet but we will see. Being a cancer patient I am entitled to $500 worth of services at the spa so I thought I would give it try. My neuropathy did get worse in my feet after I finished treatment. My hands have improved as I don't drop things like I used to. It's getting cold in Michigan now, so I can feel the effects more than in the warm weather. I just find if I keep moving it feels better. I've been able to get back to my 3-4 miles of running and weights. I tried to keep doing something during treatment but it wasn't always easy. It does feel good to be able to exercise. I'm so glad you're feeling pretty good and life is getting back to somewhat normal.
benben wrote:[Ana & Alex] wrote:Talking about enjoying life and life changes after chemo brings me to mixed feelings. I haven't changed much, although I would love to travel more, work a little less, go crazy and enjoy the day - but with my 2 year old I must say, I am not the priority in my life, even after having cancer.
I can imagine Ana, and the 2 yr old should remain a high priority - but make sure to take time for yourself too. A happier you, brings greater experiences together with your daughter.
Exercising will certainly help. Just take your time and be gentle with yourself as you make progress.
I'm glad my positive post chemo experiences bring you some hope and comfort in your transition post treatment as well. You'll get there I'm sure. We are all different and experience things differently. Keep positiveO Stoma Mia wrote:I read somewhere (but I can't remember where) that the two most frequent complaints post-chemo are (1) extreme fatigue, and (2) elevated anxiety levels
I guess I'm lucky. Fatigue has, for the most part, left the building for me. I'm working 12 hour days quite frequently and not feeling completely spent even after doing so. Anxiety, well I do get ever so slightly worried about the thought of recurrence - but overall I haven't really experienced a large deal of anxiety for many years.O Stoma Mia wrote:Most major cancer hospitals have survivorship programs in place to address such issues during the 5-year post-treatment surveillance periodsusie0915 wrote:I did just have a meeting with a survivorship nurse about 3 weeks ago. I am a year and a half out of treatment. It was good, as they go over your entire treatment program, and you can talk about any anxiety you may have which is helpful. She was also able to send a order to the SPA at my cancer center for acupuncture to maybe help with neuropathy. I've had two treatments so far, no big improvement yet but we will see. Being a cancer patient I am entitled to $500 worth of services at the spa so I thought I would give it try. My neuropathy did get worse in my feet after I finished treatment. My hands have improved as I don't drop things like I used to. It's getting cold in Michigan now, so I can feel the effects more than in the warm weather. I just find if I keep moving it feels better. I've been able to get back to my 3-4 miles of running and weights. I tried to keep doing something during treatment but it wasn't always easy. It does feel good to be able to exercise. I'm so glad you're feeling pretty good and life is getting back to somewhat normal.
I have an appointment set up with survivor ship nurse Dec 27th. Port flush on Dec 6. Blood work tests in Mid January.
I'm looking forward to discussing things with her. I'd like to try and get some volunteer work in at the center.
I know I'll be getting another scope and scan around April of 2018. At that time if I'm still clear/NED - I can get the port removed.
I think I'll start with a massage before trying the acupuncture. Getting cold here too, so the intensification I've experienced in the hands may be related.
I still drop things sometimes. It's a bit odd, it almost feels like I'm throwing stuff down on purpose. Like my hands have a mind of their own sometimes LOL.
Sounds like you're making great progress towards longterm NED and getting back to normalcy. I'm glad to hear that too:) Keep up the good work
Thanks all for your kind words
love to all.
benben wrote:... I guess I'm lucky. Fatigue has, for the most part, left the building for me. I'm working 12 hour days quite frequently and not feeling completely spent even after doing so...
horizon wrote:Glad to hear you're recovering! I'm a huge believer in muscle memory. You'll be surprised how quickly it comes back. When I finally started lifting again after my surgery I was benching a max of what I used to warm up with, which was incredibly disheartening. Keep plugging away and that will quickly change.
O Stoma Mia wrote:I think your lack of feelings of fatigue might be related to your physical exercise program. Usually, physical exercise increases blood flow, oxygen levels, and endorphin levels and makes us feel less tired after a workout than before.
stu wrote:Lovely news . Great to hear you have been out and about again ,
Take care ,
Stu
DarknessEmbraced wrote:I'm glad you're doing well!*hugs*
benben wrote:horizon wrote:Glad to hear you're recovering! I'm a huge believer in muscle memory. You'll be surprised how quickly it comes back. When I finally started lifting again after my surgery I was benching a max of what I used to warm up with, which was incredibly disheartening. Keep plugging away and that will quickly change.
Thanks Horizon! Strength is continually gaining. These 25lb barbells are starting to get too light already. Up to an easy 20 reps of curls.
Looking forward to going back to the gym. My weight gain is jumping fast. Weighed in at 175lbs this morning. Most of the weight gain seems to be muscle mass.O Stoma Mia wrote:I think your lack of feelings of fatigue might be related to your physical exercise program. Usually, physical exercise increases blood flow, oxygen levels, and endorphin levels and makes us feel less tired after a workout than before.
I'm sure the exercise is helping along with doing lots of physical work recently.stu wrote:Lovely news . Great to hear you have been out and about again ,
Take care ,
Stu
Thank you StuDarknessEmbraced wrote:I'm glad you're doing well!*hugs*
Thank you, and Hugs back at you!
Tdubz wrote:Great news benben! I’m two months out now and the neuropathy hasn’t got any better. Typing and writing are pretty difficult. I hate clothes with buttons now and I have my wife tie my shoes lol. I tried running the other day, but it was a no go since my legs are semi numb from the knees down. Besides the neuropathy, I feel 10 times better than I have in years. I can almost forget I even had cancer! I didn’t exercise that much before all this happened and spending a good portion of 6 months laying in bed has made me pretty weak, but I’m easing in to more exercise. I walk my kids to the playground about a mile away everyday now. They are excited they get to play with daddy again and I’m excited to slowly get into shape.im getting my port taken out next week. I know it’s a bit early, and I thought about keeping it for a while but my insurance is already maxed so I don’t have to pay for it if I get it done now.
I’m glad to hear everything is going so well for you. It’s awesome to hear this news from all the people diagnosed around the same time I was.
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