GvHD

Hi, I haven't posted here before but was looking for advice on how to cope with 'getting back to normal' ! I was diagnosed with ALL last April and after intensive treatment, had a stem cell transplant in October. In general, my recovery is going well and this week I have returned to work part time as a teacher. The problem is that I am suffering from chronic Graft versus host disease which is effecting all my joints and muscles and I have lost a huge amount of weight. I feel exhausted and in pain all the time but everyone keeps telling me how well I look and how well I'm doing - I keep pretending that I'm doing fine but I really don't think I am! I feel very lucky and I'm incredibly stubborn , my family has been through so much over the last 18 months (I am a Mum of 3) that I don't want people to worry anymore. Is anyone going through a similar experience and can offer me some advice please?

  • Hi Crumble, 

    I noticed you hadn't had a reply so I just wanted to quickly stop by to welcome you to the forum.

    I'm sorry for what you're contending with at the moment Crumble; it sounds very tough but hopefully some of our members who have been in this situation will be along soon to offer their support and advice.

    I know you don't want to worry anyone anymore but I think they would be more upset if you didn't tell them about this. Your family want to support you and may have already sensed something is wrong but are just waiting for you to confide in them so please don't bottle this up or keep it to yourself any longer as you have people who love you and want to do all they can to help.

    If you'd like to see if you can get some tips on managing your GVHD then do give our cancer nurses a call next week. They can be contacted on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Wishing you continued success and strength with your recovery Crumble.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator