long-term effects of chemotherapy

[starrmark]

I am 13 years out of BC. I took an agressive chemo followed by radiation.

Over the past several years, I have been aware of increased immune suppression. I get sick faster and it lasts longer. I also become fatigued under what used to be a normal routine.

Are any studies being made of truly long-term effects of chemotherapy?

Is this just something I have to live with?

[kaymer]

A related discussion, long term joint pain after chemotherapy was started.

[katkoot]

Hi i am wondering about the long term effects and secondary cancers caused by Taxol and Carbo??
My mother age 74 was diagnosed in March 05 with stage 3A endometrium cancer. She has undergone TABH and has finished 3 of four chemo plus High Dose Brachytherapy Radiation. She is of course weak and all the signs and symptoms of chemo + radiation are there. Extreme Fatigue and a feeling of unsteadiness. She feels very unstable at all times. Is this going to knock her out and not able to do much more from here on out? I mean after her last chemo is over and "Supposedly the patient is on the road to mend?"
I have heard so much about how people never feel themselves and their energy just doesn't return again?? Any ideas?
thanks and i pray for a cure for this horrible disease....

[silverlasha]

My sister-in-law came down with tumours in her ribs about 15 years after breast removal for cancer. She was told that it is something to safegaurd against with certain types of blood tests and could be a result of the radiation treatments. Then recently the same thing happened with a cousin. Both are doing fine. infusion treatments and tomoxafin have kept. The sister-in-law has been doing this for over 6 years now.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Starrmark,  Research and information regarding long-term effects of chemotherapy is fairly limited.  However, as advances are being made in terms of successful treatments and people are living longer after treatment for cancer, consideration of the long-term effects increases.   You want to be sure to discuss with your doctor any new or worsening symptoms so they can be evaluated.   Also look to your overall health and life-style.  Maintaining a healthy weight, exercise, well-balanced diet, adequate sleep etc.  are ways to improve overall feelings of well-being.