Symptoms after treatment has ended

gfrey

I finished chemo in Sept. 2009, had a dmx in Oct. 2009 and finished rads Jan. 2010. I actually did really well through all my treatments. I didn't have any real symptoms during rads, but a couple of weeks after rads I started experiencing the following:

1. My eyelashes grew back quickly after chemo, but fell out again after rads (seem to be growing back).

2. I have the feeling that I may black out when I stand up (not all the time, but very often). It's not dizziness, but things start to go black, then clear up quickly. The feeling doesn't persist.

3. My immune system seems to be compromised. I've had 2 sore throats in a month and currently have a bad cold.

I haven't been able to find any information about these types of symptoms AFTER treatment has ended. I know it takes time for the body to recover, but if I can be doing something to help that recovery I'd like to do so. I'm regularly active and TRYING to eat well (i.e. increased fruits/veggies, limit processed foods, etc.). I'd be interested to know if anyone has experienced anything similar or has recommendations. Thanks!

Faith316

Regarding eyelashes --- It is pretty common for eyelashes and even eyebrows to fall out again several months after your chemo is over.  People normally lose eyelashes and hair from your brows all the time.  But, when you take chemo and lose them all at once, they then all come back in again at the same time and thus are on the same growth/shed cycle.  It sometimes takes awhile for them to kind of "randomize" the cycle and not fall out at once. Mine fell out twice after Taxol ended.  Now they are back to normal.

I'm sorry I can't help with #2 and #3.

idaho

You can have symptoms from chemo and rads for months after they are done.  And of course your immune system is probably still compromised from chemo...rads probably egged it on..  Slow but sure you will feel better I bet.   Wishing you peace and health.  Tami

dlb823

gfrey ~ My eyelashes grew back and fell out 3 times, up until 6 or 7 months after I was done with chemo.  It was so annoying!

As far as your other symptoms, have you seen your primary doctor lately for a checkup and some blood work?  Chemo and rads can really mess up our WBC (immune system) & RBC (energy), as well as other things.  I had unexpectedly high readings on my homocysteine levels and cholesterol, for example -- things I'd never had before chemo/rads.  The feeling you're describing that you get upon standing sounds like it could be blood sugar related -- either too high or too low. If you're on Tamoxifen or an A/I, they could also be factors.    Deanna

NatureGrrl

I agree, consult your dr. -- there are a lot of things that could be at work causing your symptoms, including any drugs you might be taking, high or low bp (also a possible cause of "blacking out"), compromised immune system, etc. etc.   Your dr. will be able to help you find out what's going on and help you make adjustments, if needed. 

For now, if you make sure you get up slowly and give your body a few seconds when you stand up, that might help with the "blacking out" feeling.  

Please take good and gentle care...