Radiation Therapy Experiences

Yes, everyone I've spoken with has a similar experience with chemo. I found that I could not concentrate and therefore reading was useless. Too bad, I love to read and learn - its exciting to learn by reading. Eating was not so hot either, my tasting ability was gone along with my appetite. So I ended up watching the clock tick, went for long slow walks. I improved physically as my body acclimated to the chemo. Then, I became much more active - reading, watching tv, walking, talking on the phone, checking out the internet, writing letters, and more. Getting by is definitely what you do. I did not try to attend everything with my girls. We would talk about what do you want Mom to be at and what can you go to with a friend. I took a lot of naps. We planned the meals for the week and ate really simple to prepare meals. Raw carrots and apples were a staple. Buy the cut up fruit or have a neighbor come wash and cut up your fruits and veggies for you. My husband did a lot of the cooking. To build strength, try to do a little bit more. At first I could not even walk around the block. So I would just go to the end of the driveway. I was in physical therapy for my arm and shoulder. The chemo messes with all your muscles. Try to move all your different muscle groups, even if you are lying down. Point and flex your toes 10 times, Raise and lower your arms 10 times, flex and relax your gluts, then your stomach. If you are watching TV, do a few reps of something during the ads. Drink a lot of water!

Give yourself lots of extra time. It took tons of energy to shower and get dressed. So I would get ready and then rest on the couch near the kitchen for 20 minutes. I could answer questions from everyone but not be tempted to do stuff for them. I did the same thing after school. I would be on the couch in the room that my girls play in. They would bring me a drink and I could help with homework or sign papers or talk. But I did not get up if I could avoid it. If someone else can do what you need done, then ask someone to do it. Only do what is important to you and will help you get better.

I would start a task and not be able to finish it. This gets really frustrating. And my husband would get frustrated at the mess I made that he had to clean up or finish. I had to acknowledge how weak I was and learn to ask for help and let go of things that do not really matter. Your priorities will change and your standards of what is acceptable. Decide what is important to you and let the rest go. You will get stronger but it is a very gradual process.