I had the last cycle on the 23rd December and had the pump off on the 25th December (in the carpark of the restaurant we had christmas lunch at), apart from a couple of tests, followed by a consult with my oncologist, this meant that I had finished all my chemo treatments.

 

Having this happen on christmas day was bittersweet, because although I had finished the last treatment, the side effects did not go away instantly. Though in saying that, my metallic taste had subsided momentarily meaning that I could enjoy the christmas lunch my dad and I had planned. I was told that I wouldn't start to get back to normal for about at least a month, but it could take longer, depending on my body.

 

Although, a lot of my side effects were subsiding, meaning I could enjoy some things again, like ice cream, about a month following the last treatment, I received another side-effect, which was permanent neuropathy in the fingers and toes, this I was told by the cancer care nurse was an effect of the chemo treatment and to get some exercises from the physio to help. So, although the amount of medication I had to take decreased, as well as the exercises for the cramps, I still had some more stuff to include in my daily routine, which would eventually along with time get rid of the neuropathy. The oncologist did say what I was feeling was rather mild and although there was medication I could take, due to the harsh side effects (incl. fogginess, fatigue, stability issues), it was only given as a last resort and only if my symptoms had worsened (burning or arms/legs becoming affected). The neuropathy also meant that I could not hold cold things, as well as making any fine work, such as typing very hard, which as a software engineer and of course touch typist, meant going back to looking at every key press when I type so as not to make heaps of mistakes. Now, in July 2025, I still have the neuropathy, but I have learned how to work around it for some things, for example with typing I was able to work out what the keys felt like and how I had to place my fingers in order to touch the right key, which meant that I could work closer to my full capacity.  

 

After my CT scan, blood test, my oncologist said I was officially in remission and that night my bible study group gave me a "remission day" party, including ice cream cake in my favourite flavour. So, although I continue to have side effects, as I am in remission I have used this to mark the end of my chemo journey, unless anything else occurs.