What do you say after finishing chemo?

Many people often say “congratulations” after the person finished chemotherapy, but it may not always be a good thing. Instead of saying “let’s celebrate,” ask, “how do you feel now that chemo is over?” There are certain stock phrases that people seem to say in tough times, such as “everything happens for a reason.”

Why do you experience unpleasant side effects from chemotherapy?

Why does chemo cause side effects? Cancer cells tend to grow fast, and chemo drugs kill fast-growing cells. But because these drugs travel throughout the body, they can affect normal, healthy cells that are fast-growing, too. Damage to healthy cells causes side effects.

How long does it take to get back to normal after chemo?

Most people say it takes 6 to 12 months after they finish chemotherapy before they truly feel like themselves again. Read the resource Managing Cognitive Changes: Information for Cancer Survivors for more information about managing chemo brain.

What are the side effects after finishing chemotherapy?

Late effects of chemotherapy include:

Fatigue.
Difficulty with focused thinking (sometimes called chemo brain).
Early menopause.
Heart problems.
Reduced lung capacity.
Kidney and urinary problems.
Nerve problems such as numbness and tingling.
Bone and joint problems.

Why do you ring a bell after chemo?

The bell signals the end of chemotherapy treatment. It is also a warm tradition among cancer patients completing radiation treatments. Patients ring bells in hospitals around the world to mark the end of their treatments.

How do you celebrate the end of radiation?

Some patients with cancer celebrate the end of a course of radiation or chemotherapy by ringing a bell. Indeed, many patients say they love the graduation-like ceremony and the sense of closure it gives them.

Does chemo permanently damage immune system?

Now, new research suggests that the effects of chemotherapy can compromise part of the immune system for up to nine months after treatment, leaving patients vulnerable to infections – at least when it comes to early-stage breast cancer patients who’ve been treated with a certain type of chemotherapy.

Does Chemo shorten life expectancy?

During the 3 decades, the proportion of survivors treated with chemotherapy alone increased (from 18% in 1970-1979 to 54% in 1990-1999), and the life expectancy gap in this chemotherapy-alone group decreased from 11.0 years (95% UI, 9.0-13.1 years) to 6.0 years (95% UI, 4.5-7.6 years).

What causes chemo belly?

Chemo and radiation have been known to prevent the small intestine from producing enough of the body’s required enzyme lactase, which can lead to bloating, gassiness, cramping or diarrhea when foods with lactose are eaten.

What does ringing a bell symbolize?

Throughout society and culture all around the world, a bell has a multitude of symbolic meanings and purposes. Bells can symbolize beginnings and endings, a call to order, or even a command or a warning. Here at Bell, the symbol of our bell encompasses all of these.