3 Solutions to Ending Chemo Brain and Exhaustion

Yep, this is me.  Post double mastectomy for triple negative breast cancer.  About 3 months after a half year of intense chemotherapy.  In this picture, I was suffering…exhausted.  I kept losing my train of thought.  My fingers still tingled painfully.  I couldn’t even button up my shirt without it hurting.   I was deemed “cancer free”, but what had I done with my body?  Would I ever be my NORMAL SELF again?

If you have been through cancer treatment, you most likely have experienced some of these feelings.  Chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment for cancer are very successful at killing cancer, but at what cost to our health?  Not only was I stressed about the cancer coming back, I also had to deal with all of these side effects.

Would this be permanent?  If not, permanent, how long would I experience these side effects?

As I started doing research for this blog, I was shocked to see the list of potential long term problems:

• Fatigue
• Chemo brain
• Early menopause
• Heart problems
• Decreased lung capacity
• Kidney/urinary problems
• Nerve problems–numbness or tingling
• Bone and joint problems

Did my oncologist really go over this list with me?  I pretty sure…NOT.  And the published articles on these problems are EXTREMELY vague as to how long you will suffer.  For me, I experienced over half of these side effects over the next year post chemo.  It took about a year for them to subside.  Happily, I am back to my own self!  As I have listened to other’s stories and read more, I’ve come to the realization–

I AM BLESSED.  8 years cancer free, and  I do not have ANY of these problems anymore!!

But I also know that I was very proactive–searching and researching for solutions to these devastating conditions.

And I found solutions.  More importantly, I ACTED on the solutions.  Now, I want to share with you the 3 top reasons I believe I overcame the side effects (besides divine intervention)

Exercise.  OK, so we all know how important exercise is to maintaining health.  BUT, did you know that regular exercise after cancer lessens your chance of a recurrence?  Specifically, 6 studies done on breast cancer survivors showed that regular exercise has a protective effect in breast cancer recurrence and mortality!   That’s all great, but the question is–what TYPE of exercise, how much and how long?  Each study you read focuses on a different type of exercise…the important point is–MOVING will make you feel better AND lessen your cancer recurrence risk.

For me, I committed to staying active as much as possible THROUGH my surgery recovery and chemotherapy.  I committed to 2-3 hikes per week.  I practiced yoga 2-4 times a week. I even took a few bike rides.  I always felt better after I worked out…and I FORCED myself to do something on those days that I felt horrible.  Even just a walk to the mailbox was a feat on my “bad” days.  While the cardio is very important, I feel I reaped the most benefit from continuing a regular yoga practice.  The combination of stretching, strength training and meditation rejuvenates me, calms my stress, and brings me peace.

Sleep.  Another no brainer, right?  But what if you CAN’T sleep?  The research shows that cancer patients/survivors’ most commonly complain of difficulty sleeping.  And what do you think is the end result?    FATIGUE.  I do believe the 2 go hand in hand.  When I was going through the double mastectomy recovery and chemotherapy, I stopped working.  It was a good thing, because I slept 10-12 hours a day for a few days after a chemo treatment.  As I have met others who have done treatment, I am dismayed to discover that many CONTINUE TO WORK as they are treated.  To me, this a super human accomplishment, but at what cost to our healing process?  I don’t believe that MOST full time jobs allow you time enough to rest during cancer treatment…which is when our body is healing!  After treatment, sleepless nights can persist…if that is the case, do some of your own research on tricks to get a better night of sleep.  This topic is another whole blogworthy subject!  Some little tricks that help me:

1. Read a book before you go to sleep.
2. No TV in the bedroom.
3. Limit computer time in the evening.
4. Take a warm bath before slumber time.
5. Essential oils that promote sleep work!  NRF2 Activation.  Never heard of this?  I hadn’t either until 3 years ago.  It’s the best kept secret to better health!  Washington State University, in a published study, said, “The discovery of Nrf2 is potentially the most extraordinary therapeutic and preventative breakthrough in the history of medicine.”  Say what?!?  Simply put, the Nrf2 pathway is in every cell in our body and controls the production of antioxidant enzymes AND assists with reducing inflammation, among other things.  2 HUGE factors that impact our health!  I found a supplement that activates this pathway and “reduces oxidative stress by 40% in 3o days”.  This was life changing for me, since chemo had filled my body with oxidative stress (also called Free radical damage).  One other amazing benefit that Nrf2 activation provides– it has been shown to REDUCE THE GROWTH OF SPECIFIC CANCERS!!  Do you realize what a relief it is knowing that I am continuing to reduce my cancer recurrence risk EVERY DAY by being nrf2 activated?

Here I am, 8 years later,  thriving vs. surviving!  I continue to prioritize exercising and getting good sleep time, and I will be Nrf2 activated for life!!

If you would like more information on nrf2 activation, CLICK HERE to get my FREE guide “Anti-aging Secrets”! Double bonus…there’s also info about how to sleep better!