Chemo/Radiation Cancer Survivors?

[HollyAyott]

ok so I am on my first round of chemo after 2 rounds of radiation. I have to say Chemo has hit me like a ton of bricks, I am exhausted and sore, like I have never been before. I am a very active person and I am not sure how to combat the sheer exhaustion. Any tips or suggestions.

Also, how can I stop from being so thirsty. I feel like I am walking in the Sierra.

[bigted]

Hi Holly,

I take methotrexate (a form of chemo first used for Leukemia) for my Ra so I sort of know how you are feeling. It's hitting me hard at the moment. I'm getting mouth blisters and my hair is falling out (4th time in 5 years) and the tiredness is a killer. I take it easy and pace myself. Somedays just existing is all I can manage other days I do just fine. I have learned not to set high expectations. If I can do more then that's wonderful, but I don't push it. I live in a messy house but I cook all my own foods and manage all my grocery shopping and still hold down a full time job (there are days when I wonder how).
Decide for yourself what's important and let the other stuff slide. It was hard in the beginning but if you push too hard it will slow you down even further and you'll be able to do much less.
I hate to say it but the best thing you need is patience. I hope everthing goes well in your treatment and you regain your strength soon.

[HollyAyott]

thanks for your respnse Bigted. Patience is a virtue I am not blessed with. But I suppose I havent an option in this one huh.

[ladybug24]

Holly,

I'm new here but can echo what bigted said. I finished in March with 4 rounds of A/C and 33 radiation treatments for breast cancer. I quickly learned that I had to chose what I wanted to expend my energy on and then let everything else go. The other suggestion I have is this: If someone says "what do you need" or "what can I do for you" tell them what you need. It was hard for me to accept help as I was always pretty self-sufficient but this is not the time to nurse your pride. Let them bring a meal by, mop your kitchen floor, watch your kids, whatever will allow you to rest a little more. And, I'll be praying for a speedy recover for you. It's a rough road but God is faithful!

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Phil. 3:12

[Duparc]

You have heard of CO-Q10; take it and take it at high dosages like around 600mgs over the course of the day and continue to take a maintenance dose of between 100/200mgs daily after you are cured. It is most frequently sold in oil capsules; take those only if you are unable to get the dry powered capsules. Try: www.smart-nutrition.net (http://www.smart-nutrition.net). There is another substance that is equally as good, some say it is better, and that is Idebenon.

Take the antioxidants folic acid and selenium (low dose on the selenium). Take melatonin prior to retiring also the anti-inflammatory Serrapeptase at 20 mgs on an empty stomach, that's important (it has other benficial effects).

If you are taking any kind of polyunsaturated fat whatsoever, in your diet, then stop taking it(even fish)!

I'll give you, and the others who are posting, some healing thoughts.

Robert

PS: keep the soft drinks out of your diet.