Noun: energy

 

The strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity.

 

As with emotions, your energy levels will be all over the place.  Chemotherapy is a right bastard.  Some days, usually the initial days following a dose of chemo, you will not be able to rest or sleep.  You will have ants in your pants, caused by the gallons of steroids they will have pumped into you.  When those steroids wear off, you might feel a sharp downward spiral in your energy levels.  Literally like someone has flicked your ‘off’ switch.  Be prepared for these by cancelling absolutely everything that you possibly can.  Ensure the fridge and cupboards are stocked for you and your family so that you don’t have to force your weary body to the shops to get milk, bread, etc.  Find yourself a comfy spot in the lounge, bedroom, garden, or where ever you can relax the most, and give in to it.

 

Listening to audio books can really help you kick back and relax.  Even if you nod off before the end of the first chapter; somehow having a calm voice read into your earholes is very soothing.

 

As well as during chemotherapy, you can feel abso-bloody-lutely knackered during and just after radiotherapy.  I don’t know why, but I thought this was surprising.  Why should it make you tired??  Trust me, it does!