Hi David,

I'm smiling at your post because Jack asked me the same question right after treatment ended. The science is that that radiation is like a microwave that keeps on cooking after treatments end so you are not really finished experiencing it. Also chemo is cumulative and the effects of the last cycle are more intense than the first and can linger for several months. Jack had 4 cycles of cisplatin so we're real familiar with the side effects. Make sure they are checking you blood counts as anemia can continue for up to 1 year.

Your body has been though an intense systemic assault. The combination of radiation and chemotherapy create fatigue because they are killing off healthy cells as well as cancer cells and it takes time to recover. There's no way around it. Jack is 4 months post treatment and only now beginning to see the improvement in his energy level. He is back to work 30-35 hours per week and some days he is still very tired.

A good rule of thumb is 1 month of recovery for every week of radiation. Our doctors told us that it could be up to a year to really feel like you're back to normal - whatever that is. A common sense approach is probably best. Make sure you are maintaining enough nutrition and hydration, take a multi vitamin, pace your activities and build up your tolerance to doing more. Make sure you get a good night's sleep because that will affect your energy level. Get outside in the fresh air and sunlight as that helps.

It will get better.
Regards JoAnne