Validation of chemo after affects - finally!
 

So it's been a struggle for me health wise since I stopped all treatments in 2013. From GI problems, to joint pain, to failing eye sight - not one doctor attributed my issues to the lingering after affects of chemo, but I always felt they were wrong. This article gives us validation that we are not crazy hypochondriacs!!!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/ar...ear-about.html

Doctors need to focus on after care of cancer/chemo survivors for our quality of life!!

Jessica

Re: Validation of chemo after affects - finally!
 

That was an interesting article. I continue to have side effects from my chemo...11 years ago. For ex. now I am experiencing some GI issues, related to GERD, which developed after my mouth sores from Adriamycin/cytoxin affected my esophagus. These side effects do not go away. They seem to get worse with time. I was curious to see that they mentioned the Oncotype DX as a new tool. My onc. used that in 2005 to determine that I was a good candidate for chemo.

Re: Validation of chemo after affects - finally!
 

Susan - I too have symptoms of GERD and just recovered of a sore that developed my throat from acid reflux. My GI issues have been awful since 2011. No one tells you the lingering side effects you may have after chemo, guess they don't see it as a necessity. It has wreaked havoc on my brain though, kept thinking it was cancer somewhere!

Re: Validation of chemo after affects - finally!
 

Jessica,

Thanks for posting this article. Although I haven't had many of the specific issues that are mentioned in the article, I do feel like my energy level isn't what it was before treatment. It also seems like I constantly get cold sores and catch more than my fair share of colds!

I agree with you regarding your comment on aftercare.

Take care,
Brenda

Re: Validation of chemo after affects - finally!
 

My oncologist never believed my watery eyes were a result of treatment. She blamed it on allergies. She still doesnt believe my lack of hair growth is a result of chemo. And she is on the fence about the osteoporosis being a result of treatment of just me being older. For me, I was in shock or a fog when I was first diagnosed and during initial meetings with my doctors that I dont think I fully understood all the possible side effects. I just knew I needed treatment and I didnt have time on my side. In hindsight, I wish I had asked more questions and not just went along with the treatment plan. I sure hope I am never faced with this again because I dont think I will be as agreeable or complacent.

Re: Validation of chemo after affects - finally!
 

I really do recognize the watery eyes, poor eyelashes, joint pain and stiffness, poor sight and hearing. My oncologist and onco-nurse says she recognizes all of these things as a direct effect of chemo-therapy. Oh, failing nails on both hands and feet and numbness in fingertips.