Chemotherapy Side Effects

[Solittle]

For any of you who have been through this - How long after the end of your chemotherapy treatments doe it take for the side effects to wear off and you return to "normal?"

I am half way through an 8 week program. Side effects include fatigue, some insomnia, a sour stomach, loss of taste for food and a general all over crappy feeling. All of which are expected but I would like to get some sense on when I can expect to be back to myself.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Chemotherapy Side Effects

And about the time you get to feeling a little better, time for another treatment.
My dad went thru this.
He felt bad, lost all his hair.
I think it was about 2 weeks or so and he was back to what you could call normal.

 

[ehenry]

Re: Chemotherapy Side Effects

Its just like SPinner says and you might have seen my "Say a Prayer for My Wife" thread.

My wife went through an 8 week regimin of the Red Devil chemo. It would knock her down for about 3 to 4 days then she would gradually start feeling somewhat better on the 5th day. If she had to take the shot that was to keep her white blood cell count up she was down for 7 to 10 days solid.

She took her final treatment the 2nd week of December 2007. She's back to hitting on all 8 cylinders now but still has some side effects such as numbness in her extrmeties, fingers and feet. Her taste isnt back to normal yet either. Finding things that she could or would eat that she could taste during chemo was a challenge. For the first 3 to 4 days after a treatment it didnt matter what she ate. SHe'd give it back after she ate it.

Talk to your Oncologist about your side effects. They can give you things to help ease them.

SoLittle, my thoughts and prayer are with you and your family. I know know what yall are going through.

Take care my friend.

 

[BRG25]

Re: Chemotherapy Side Effects

Hang in there as best you can....you're in my prayers.

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Chemotherapy Side Effects

Hang in there Solittle.
I can't offer you any advise but you will be in my thoughts, best of luck.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Chemotherapy Side Effects

Thanks for the support and prayers. My mantra in all of this is that if you have your family, friends and faith you can face anything. Having said that I still feel like crap but then you don't go through chemo expecting to feel wonderful.

 

[QC]

Re: Chemotherapy Side Effects

Kick this thing's arse Solittle and we'll help on this end. No advice to give, but go get 'em. We have a friend that started this too late . . . count your blessings and get it over with.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Chemotherapy Side Effects

Hang in there Solittle...it will get better. Effects vary greatly between people based on chemo type, potency, dosage, cycle, age, etc. but Kytril is an excellent anti-nausea drug for the stomach. The fatigue and crappiness is usually caused by the reduction of red blood cells (the oxygen carriers) and should reverse within several weeks of the end of your round. You might ask your doctor if you could transfuse a few units of hemoglobin to help this. Oddly, the loss of taste seems to be the last thing to return in most folks and could take quite a while. I am not a doctor by any means, but have watched my wife on chemo for two years leading into a bone marrow transplant. I hope this helps a little and I pray that your cycle will end soon and with great success!!! The water awaits you....