graniteridge5 said:Hi everyone. Unfortunately, we're gathered here for such a heavy topic.
My mom finished her 6th chemo session this past Wednesday. Up until then, the only side effects she dealt with were some knee pain. But it’s been a week since that 6th round, and she just feels so incredibly weak... is this a standard side effect, or is it a sign that things are taking a turn for the worse? Is this normal?
She’s still eating normally, though.
One more thing—is remission after treatment guaranteed, or does it vary from person to person? If it does happen, how long does it typically last?
Also, how much downtime is usually required after 6 cycles before starting the next round of chemo?
Her doctor won't give us any information at all. He doesn't even want to talk to us... so I don't have anyone else to ask besides this group.
My mom went through 6 cycles of chemo as well. Each cycle lasted about 5 days, followed by roughly a 4-week break. That weakness you're seeing is completely normal.
In the beginning, my mom felt okay, but as she progressed through more rounds, the side effects actually got tougher. For her, it was more of a mental struggle than a physical one. During the actual week she was receiving treatment, she felt fine, but the days following were rough—she dealt with fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea, and she lost quite a bit of weight (she could eat well at first, but it got harder as time went on). It really is different for everyone. A close friend of hers didn't have any major issues at all, aside from losing her hair.