Anyone recently finished chemo/radiotherapy?

[OrdinarySoul]

Hello everyone, hope everyone is okay.

I’ve just got a question about ongoing vulnerability after treatment and wondered if anyone else is feeling the same or if anyone has any advice/experience to share.

I finished my current treatment course a few weeks ago and I’m wondering how long my immune system is likely to be compromised- I know it’s individual for everyone but I think after the pandemic and then my mum was having chemo so we stayed pretty shielded and then as she came to the end of her treatment I then got my diagnosis so I feel like I’ve been masking up and keeping away from people for the last 3 years.

I can’t now judge when I might stop being quite so concerned about it all because I feel like I’ve lost perspective and I’m usually the only one in a mask wherever I go. I’ve got a couple of theatre outings coming up and I can’t decide what to do!! Thank you for reading my ramble!! x

[Lyndy2]

Hello, well done on finishing chemo!

Your immune system does stay a little dippy for a while… I was told 3 months at least.

Why not grab some good quality FFP2 face masks to protect you and get right out there! As the summer comes, events will be outside and by autumn you will I am sure have become more confident about deciding when you mask up xx

[OrdinarySoul in reply to Lyndy2]

thank you - I seem to have lost all my confidence in making decisions for myself!! 😊

[Kjpip]

I'm currently on PARPs so my immunity is still a bit compromised anyway, so I'm not quite in the same situation as you. But I just wanted to say, if it makes you feel safer to wear a mask, just go for it. I still wear a mask when I go to the shops or anywhere crowded, and I'm usually the only one so I often feel a bit silly, but in the scale of things it doesn't really matter does it?! I think wearing a mask does protect you a bit, even if no-one else is.

It's tempting to stay shut away and keep yourself as safe as possible sometimes, especially when that's what we've been used to for years, but it's good for your soul to get out there and do some of the things you love - my advice would be to enjoy your theatre trips, mask and all (at least it's dark most of the time at the theatre!) and you'll gradually get used to being in crowded places again and will hopefully feel less vulnerable the further you get from your last treatment.

Good luck! Xx

[OrdinarySoul in reply to Kjpip]

thank you - I went to my daughters school production last night and sang along from behind my mask! It is nice to get back out into the world! Wishing you all the best xx

[bananayo]

Hi, I think it does get easier as time goes on to get out and about after treatment ends. I actually got on a flight 6 weeks after my chemo finished and I worn the FFP2 mask. I still pop on a face mask now if I’m on a very busy bus or train and do spot on occasions someone else wearing one ! X

[OrdinarySoul in reply to bananayo]

thank you - it’s just a case of getting on with it I think. Getting used to being the only mask-wearer and not worrying too much. Hope you are okay x

[Riverflo]

Hello,I hope you have a wonderful time at the theatre. I went a couple of weeks ago and had the best laughter therapy ever!!

During Covid I was worried about infections but as I spend my life knee deep in snotty grandkids I haven't bothered with protecting myself for a good while now. It's true during chemo I occasionally get infections but generally I can tell by how well I feel how my immune system is doing.

I don't know, but if you feel well I would say go out and enjoy this treatment free period to the max because we never know how long it will last.

Best wishes,

Martine x

[OrdinarySoul in reply to Riverflo]

thank you - I seem to have become much more anxious than I’ve ever been this year and see the potential risk everywhere! Not a nice way to be and so I’m going to tackle it head on with saying yes to invitations and, like you said, enjoying this treatment-free period for as long as it lasts. Sending love x

[Riverflo in reply to OrdinarySoul]

It's not surprising, this disease sends our minds to some dark places. But it also shows us that there is no point putting things off until tomorrow because we can't take tomorrows for granted. So yes!! Say yes to everything and enjoy!! I am also reminding myself to do the same 😁x