After effects after chemo

[CarenR]

I finished chemo on December 23rd.. so almost done 3 months. I have extreme fatigue and am having a problem eating. I feel like I can't do anything and I literally get out of breath if I walk across the room. Does anyone else have these symptoms and if so, how have you gotten rid of them, it is really making me very depressed.

[Glenmeadow]

Make sure you aren't anemic! My lymphoma was on my bone marrow crowding out the blood cells and the marrow had become fibrous, a sort of scar tissue effect. Not being able to cross the room without becoming breAthlrss was how we discovered the profound anemia and then the lymphoma. I also have friends with other cancers who have needed transfusions because of chemo aftereffects

[CarenR in reply to Glenmeadow]

Thanks.. before Chemo in August I was down to 5 for my hemeglobin and was so anemic. The lymphoma was all in my bone marrow. Now I am in remission and the last visit my heme was 11.5 so really high. But lately I have become more tired. I am going to the ONC today, will get blood tests and see what is going on.

[Glenmeadow in reply to CarenR]

How did your blood work turn out Caren R?

[CarenR in reply to Glenmeadow]

I updated this morning with a new post. My HEME dropped from 11-9, platelets went down and LDH went up. So, now we have some new issues to deal with.

[Glenmeadow]

Rats I'm sorry for the changes but glad you are on top of it!

[Whitley55]

Yes I have those problems, and would like to know how to get rid of them. I only eat because I have to take my bp meds. Last chemo was November 2016. People find it odd but I felt better when I was getting chemo, now is as if I am drained

[Judyhoneycomb]

I am fatigued and appetite suppressed. Suck on lemon drops to get awful taste it of mouth. My feet are cold and numb, balance not good. But my breathing is okay. Wishing you the best.

[BelindaTupper]

Hi CarenR, so sorry to here you are experiencing the effects of chemo. I was like that too, could hardly walk without exhaustion. Couldn't drive for months. Time does remedy that some. It's been almost 2 years since I finished my chemo and I can see a huge difference. Try to be satisfied with doing what you can when you can. Rest often. Drink lots of water. I'm at the point now where I'm rebuilding muscle tone that was lost during the "year of sitting". It's a longer process than I'd like, but I'm practicing patience with myself, and putting one foot in front of the other....Moving forward, no matter how slowly, is still progress (my motto). Take care. Give it some time.

[Hidden]

Hi CarenR, try to get out for a short walk if you can. I finished chemo in mid-Dec. I try to get out most days and it really helps with the fatigue. See a dietician if you can. They can analyse your intake and suggest good energy foods. Just try to do a little every day and hopefully it'll help.

[BelindaTupper]

I had a lot of fatigue after chemo. Time has been the only thing that helped improve energy and stamina levels. Be patient with yourself. I'm still making progress and it's been 18 months since my chemo. It's a long slow process. If I overdue it, my body let's me know. Try to be patient and persevere.

[oncloudnine]

I was diagnosed with NHL January 2016. 8 rounds of R-Chop chemo, followed by 20 radiation treatments. I was sick most of 2016, lost a huge amount of weight, lost all my hair, nothing tasted right, was in the hospital several times with NHL issues. My point is that you do get better. Since the beginning of 2017, I have been getting increasingly better. I am feeling pretty good. Get tired easily, but it's all in all good. Hang in there.