Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome to OCF, Sharon! You have found a great resource for info and support to help you with your recovery phase.
Im so sorry you are struggling with your recovery. At 2 months post rads, you still have a ways to go before you can say you are at your "new normal". One important factor many patients struggle with is their intake. This is what will heal your body. Every single day until (at the very least) you reach one year post rads, your need to have a higher caloric intake. Every day push yourself to take in at least 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. If you add some high protein whey powder to your diet it will help as protein promotes healing. Since you are facing recovery issues at 2 months post rads, I would recommend pushing to take in even more calories, like 3500 daily. It cant hurt. After a couple days of higher calories and extra water you should perk up a little. Taking in more always helps me to feel better, I hope it will work for you as well.
You are not alone with this! Many patients struggle with their recovery, they can not get well fast enough. Its terribly frustrating having ups and downs with some setbacks here and there. After OC treatments, it takes a full 2 years to be completely recovered. This cant be rushed but with proper intake it can be easier. Most patients dont understand that their body has been broken so far down it needs extra fuel to rebuild itself and this cant happen overnight or even in 2 or 3 months. Hang in there, as time goes by you will be able to overcome many of your current issues. One thing Ive learned about recovery is that patients can expect to have at least one month of recovery for every week of rads. Many also struggle with the mental aspect of their situation. Ask your doc for some help with anxiety meds. Try seeking out someone to talk things over with. Most treatment facilities have special therapists who counsel cancer patients.
Best wishes! ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive |