Away from home seeking treatment

Interacting with friends and family is difficult.  I just want some normality but I know what you mean about the intensity.  They cannot hide their anxiety and it seems so weird.  It seems to pass with a little time if you do normal things with people and talk about something other than bc.  While I don't mind telling people about the bc I get sick of the topic and would rather talk about something else anyway.  If I can't manage my anxiety, I'm a person that looks for distraction.  I get on the computer to find something interesting to read or I find something to keep me busy and stop my mind wandering back to that thing that's hard to think about too much.  I seem to swing between wanting to avoid it altogether and needing to vent about it in a safe place like on here.  I think we just have to go with the flow and do what feels right at the time.  

I can't imagine how difficult it is for you being away from home and your usual support network.  It is hard for your brother and his wife as they don't know how to respond or react.  Going through chemo and rads I found I had to verbalise what I needed and help people understand that how I was feeling and what I was going through was temporary.  I had to explain that no-one could help how I was feeling and that was OK.  This was a journey I was on.  There was a start, a middle and an end to the treatment and I was going to get better.  In the meantime I was a roller-coaster baby!   The best they can do is acknowledge what you are going through and do whatever they can to make you comfortable.  Sometimes those around you need to feel as if they are helping you.  So let them know what they can do.  Chemo is an absolute bitch!  But necessary.  I didn't think I would get through it.  The 2nd one was the worst, I ended up in hospital.  My sisters had to drag me screaming and kicking to the 3rd one, but after that I coped well.  My Onco gave me valium  just so I could knock myself out to get through the really bad times.  It worked for me and no I didn't become addicted.  I can't remember much about chemo now.  Stay strong.  Your family need you to do this.

My first week on Pristiq I felt the crappist but by day 10 I started to balance out and now I feel (about day 21) very much more in control. I have lots of tests coming up and bad news a few weeks ago. I think it's worth sticking it out for a while longer and give Pristiq a good chance. Do not stop it cold tuckey and tell your doctor if you want to stop as you must do it properely. good luck

Sarah