On 10/29/2008 NEED SUPPORT wrote:
I am going through a whirl wind of emotions. I am in remission but my Dr. wants to do a blood test to make sure there are no residual cancer cells around. This really concerns me. I am also due to begin my 2 year maintenance program of oral chemo by next week. Has anyone else had to go thru this regimen? And how long does it take to get my strength back...I want to be active and healthy again so I can play and care for my 2, 3, and 4 year old kids!! I need held so bad. I am on antidepressants and trying to come off Ativan and begin a different antidepressant because the one I am on isn't working. Help!!!! When does it get better??????????
hi, I have AML as well and will coming up to my 2 year period in 5 months. First off, what do you mean when you say your doctor wants to do blood tests? I go for my check up every 2 months and blood tests are always taken. When you say have your blood check, are you referring to the doctor doing a biospy where they actually get the bone marrow to check if there is any cancer left? As to how long it will take to get your strength back, that is anyones guess. Everyone is different. Did your doctor say how much cancer was in your system when you were diagnosed? When I was diagnosed, my system was 3/4 infected. But the good thing about me, was that they caught it very very early.
How are you feeling today, health wise? Are you on any medication other than what you mentioned? When I first got out of the hospital I was very weak. But unlike you my family is grown so I did not have any little one to take care of. So my days at home was to get lots of rest and try to build up my strength. After my 2nd hospital stay I tried walking. It was a disater, as I could only walk about the length of 3 houses. Then it was back home and into bed for the rest of the day.
But I did gradually build up my strength. Started on a walking program and fell in love with it. After all of my treatments were done, I did more and more walking, eating the proper foods and getting into more exercise.
I was diagnosed 2 months before my retirement date, so I joined a seniors program. I go 4 days a week, do weight training, Tai Chi, exercise classes, bowling, shuffleboard,and still get in my walking. At first I was very depressed with it all, but said that I was going to get my strength back or end up breaking a leg trying.
But like said before, everyone is different, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You will have to first get yourself better then gradually return to you other duties of the household.
I will be cheering for you. You will probably have to push yourself, but remember all of the hard work will pay off down the road. So keep trying, you may not be able to play with your children right now, but think of getting yourself better, then you will able to play with for many years down the road.