Maintenance chemo 2 years: Struggling with recovery after each chemo

He feels so rotten for 1 week every 2 weeks. A whole other year like this feels hard. I wish the side effects would diminish. We are very thorough in doing all that is needed on chemo week. Txs for listening.

@mil63 it is hard. I hope having an endpoint makes it a little easier for both of you to endure. And also it might be helpful to discuss where the line is of the side effects being too difficult to continue the current treatment. Another option is to talk with his oncologist about what other treatment alternatives there might be with fewer side effects.

Talk to the oncologist and let them know how tough it's been. There are a few things you should ask about. One is asking to extend it to a four week cycle. The second would be to reduce the dosage. The third options might be a prescription for Ritalin. Do make a note to ask or send a message through his nurse before the next appointment.

Thank you for these suggestions. I will think about them.

@mil63 just a quick note CC to let you know that I have both postponed treatment and lowered the dosage without any issues.

I have the same problem. But I have no end point, since I'm on a clinical trial. My side effects last two weeks. So only the third before my next treatment is side effects free. I'm thinking about trying to extend the period between treatment too. I have persuaded my oncologists to give me 6 weeks off; Ive done that twice in the past year and three months. See if you can do so.

@cookercooker thank you

@cookercooker My short term side effects typically last for two weeks as well. That's why I really appreciate my two weeks on and two weeks off cycles.