Life after cancer

user58766888 · 2022-04-27T19:06:43+00:00

I had a cancer diagnosis/treatment nearly two years ago and I thought my life would go back to normal but I just feel so tired at times. I had a lovely busy weekend away last weekend but now I am exhausted from it and everything seems a struggle. I miss the old me, will I ever feel like me again?

Cancerspouse · 27/04/2022 20:24

Hi OP,

DH had aggressive chemo followed by major surgery for a serious cancer over four years ago. We were told the recovery period would be about a year but that he might never be as energetic as he had been.

In the event, he recovered to probably a below average level of fitness for his age (mid sixties) after about a year, whereas he had been very fit before diagnosis. Only in the last year or so has he got back to an above average level of fitness. Not everyone does.

Good diet plus a gently graduated exercise programme may have helped, or it may have just been time. I’m sorry if this isn’t what you wanted to hear. Mainly I am just glad that DH is so far healthy, and I wish the same for you.

Original poster

user58766888 · 27/04/2022 20:48

Cancerspouse · 27/04/2022 20:24

Hi OP,

DH had aggressive chemo followed by major surgery for a serious cancer over four years ago. We were told the recovery period would be about a year but that he might never be as energetic as he had been.

In the event, he recovered to probably a below average level of fitness for his age (mid sixties) after about a year, whereas he had been very fit before diagnosis. Only in the last year or so has he got back to an above average level of fitness. Not everyone does.

Good diet plus a gently graduated exercise programme may have helped, or it may have just been time. I’m sorry if this isn’t what you wanted to hear. Mainly I am just glad that DH is so far healthy, and I wish the same for you.

@Cancerspouse I am thankful that I am healthy after my diagnosis, I think the fatigue brings back a lot of memories of my treatment and it causes anxiety.
I have started to exercise more frequently in the hope it will increase my energy levels.
Pleased to hear your DH is doing well 🙂

OP posts:

Trulyweird1 · 27/04/2022 21:07

It’s been almost 4 years since my diagnosis and about 3 in remission. I was extremely fit before , and I have not regained all of that. I have some hangovers from the heavy chemo I had- peripheral neuropathy, oral thrush- but I do have great hair 😃
I think the mental toll after you finish treatment can be overwhelming at times, and it can be helpful to talk to some of the support services ( e.g. Maggie’s ) or join in some of their workshops and activities.
I feel much better, but I am older and I carry the knowledge that my body let me down.
💐for you.

MissyB1 · 27/04/2022 21:13

I’m nearly six years since my breast cancer. I’ve never quite got back my original energy levels. However that could be due to the continued medication that I take to suppress my oestrogen.
The psychological recovery from cancer is in my opinion often as tricky (if not trickier) than the physical recovery. Coming to terms with the “new you” can be very challenging.