When does your QOL improve?

MelanieBC
MelanieBC Member Posts: 74
edited June 2016 in Pain

So my mom had her masetcomy on September 11, 2016, had 6 months of chemo which ended in March 2016 (she had Fec-D and then Taxol) and then she had Radiation for 5 weeks which ended at the end of May 2016. She started Femara at the beginning of June 2016.

What we are trying to find out is when do you start to feel normal again? She is getting frustrated that she doesn't seem to be feeling any better and she actually feels worse. What is a typical amount of time to start feeling better and chemo being out of your system?

Thanks!

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  • VickiRides
    VickiRides Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2016

    Hi, Melanie.

    Everyone reacts to treatment differently so it's very hard to predict when your mom will start to feel better. I had different chemo (AC+T) followed by radiation that finished at the end of March 2016. I would say that it's just in the last month that I've really felt my energy coming back. Be patient.

    Vicki

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited June 2016

    Hi Melanie,

    A lot depends on the age. Someone who is younger and more active may start feeling better much sooner than someone who is older and leads a more sedentary lifestyle. Chemo is out of the system fairly quickly but it doesn't mean you feel better right away. The more active she is the better. Please urge her to join an exercise program if she hasn't done that yet.

    I have read somewhere that full recovery after radiation takes between 12 -18 months and this is in line with how I felt. I include psychological recovery in that number, I guess this is close to what you mean by "feeling normal" again. Although I don't think anybody feels completely "normal" again.

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  • RV6gal
    RV6gal Member Posts: 331
    edited June 2016

    I did the FEC-D regime and 5 weeks of radiation as well. I am still struggling to "feel normal". Continuing to be active can be very tough but also absolutely essential otherwise I would not function at all. I believe your recovery also depends on your reaction to chemo in the first place. I feel like docetaxel really did a number on my nervous system (also damaged my feet) and that I am mainly trying to recover from that. One thing that has been extremely helpful has been Aquafit. It has helped me overcome frozen shoulder from radiation as well plantar fasciitis from tight muscles. It felt like things got a lot worse after treatment ended but I am starting to feel things are getting better now. My last radiation treament was May 29 2015. Not sure if normal is going to be achievable but the level of daily pain is diminishing and for that I am grateful. 12 to 18 months sounds about right! Wishing a speedy recovery to your Mom!

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