Post-Chemotherapy Symptoms

Posted by margitdill @margitdill, Nov 20, 2025

I’ve been on 6 different chemo drugs for over 2 years. I just finished 10 sessions of radiation to my lower spine due to a metastasis there. At present I am off chemotherapy because there are no more chemo options left. My last infusion was 4 weeks ago; radiation finished up 2 weeks ago. I feel like I’ve been hit with a sort of “treatment or chemo withdrawal.” Extreme fatigue, weakness, clammy skin at times, crying jags, overall flu-like feelings - these are my main symptoms. Has anyone else experienced this? Any solutions or treatments that might help? Thank you.

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sandy8043 | @sandy8043 | Nov 21, 2025

Have they checked your thyroid levels? Blood test w results usually same day.

margitdill | @margitdill | Nov 21, 2025

My thyroid got obliterated with the first chemo I had 2 years ago. Had to go on Synthroid … thanks

sandy8043 | @sandy8043 | Nov 22, 2025

In reply to @margitdill "My thyroid got obliterated with the first chemo I had 2 years ago. Had to go..." + (show)

@margitdill I had mine removed due to cancer. I'm on levothyroxine. My levels change from time to time for unknown reasons. So my dosage goes up and down. Your symptoms seemed familiar to me.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 4, 2025

@margitdill, a couple more weeks have passed. How are you feeling? Any improvement with symptoms post treatment?

margitdill | @margitdill | Dec 6, 2025

Not really …. My oncologist suggested that I go on a reduced dosage of ENHERTU. Which I did last week. This is my second reduced dosage. My scan showed stabilization - no new metastasizing. A few days after that chemo dose, I had a vitamin C infusion (50 grams) to try to feel better. That, combined with the chemo and 10 sessions of radiation to my lower spine put my urinary system into horrific overdrive. I’ve been gushing out urine by the gallons, it seems, 24/7. I wear diapers in triplicate and sleep atop people-pee pads. I’m urinary mess. I have a stent from my right kidney to my bladder that has to be changed out every three months. The next exchange is Dec 12. I do not know of that will stir up any more urinary issues or help me stabilize. With this, my neuropathy, and chronic fatigue, I wrestle with: Is it time to call in hospice?

Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Dec 6, 2025

In reply to @margitdill "Not really …. My oncologist suggested that I go on a reduced dosage of ENHERTU. Which..." + (show)

@margitdill I certainly understand your question. I think you could consult with hospice before making any decision. Find out what they have to offer, see what feels right to you. I don't know if you have a palliative care specialist for pain and symptoms. This can help too. Whatever you decide, please keep in touch with us. Do you have close friend or family member you can discuss this with? For me, health decisions can often feel lonely and I'd rather bounce them off other people. A therapist or chaplain--from oncology, palliative care, or hospice--might also help. Sending you my best thoughts.

margitdill | @margitdill | Dec 6, 2025

Thank you … when I deal with pain and side effects, these affect my judgement. When I emerge from that slump, I have more clarity. I work with a great palliative care MD. I recently started seeing a Faith-based therapist and I’m Catholic so I have access to priest counsel. I’ve got important bases covered, I think. I’m also hearing that there are a couple of things God wants me to do now, here on earth. So I’m finally attending to those. A day at a time!