Forum Discussion

Johjoh's avatar
Johjoh
Member
10 years ago

Feeling miserable!!

Here I am 1 year after finishing my treatment for early triple negetive Breast Cancer, I should be close to having my life back, but I'm not even close. Since finishing my treatment in September 2014 I've had to deal with other health issues. 

2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Gastritis and Haitus Hernia.  I am feeling so miserable. I constantly have pain in my chest, very bad indigestion and have lost 5kg in 8 weeks.  I went to my GP and he put me on Somac medication but it doesn't seem to help (I've been on it for 8weeks). I went back to see him and told him the medication isn't helping me with my symptoms but he keeps telling me to just stay on it.  If they're not helping why should I take them!!!  I even rang up the hospital to ask if I could see an Oncolgist earlier as my next appointment is next year but was told I had to go to my GP. 

I am becoming so depressed. I cry everyday because I can't seem to get a break. I just want to feel normal again.  I feel that this is going to be my downfall because I just don't know what to do anymore. I feel like crap everyday. 

During my treatment with breast cancer I always kept myself positive but now I am  losing it . I feel myself giving up!  I am so sick of the challenges that life is putting me though. 

4 Replies

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Joh Joh,

    i have suffered from autoimmune pancreatitis for 7 years before getting bc.  I had started a new drug 3 months before being diagnosed with bc as I hadn't been able to get stable in that 7 years. After 7 years of non stop pain, nausea, vomiting and the runs, I finally went into remission then low and behold, I get diagnosed with bc. I couldn't continue with treatment for the AIP whilst being treated for cancer.  I finished bc treatment at the end of June and started back on the meds for the AIP but they are increasing my risk of cancer to 85-95% so I have had to stop taking them. I have been having infusions of another drug (a form of chemo) to help with the AIP now. 

    It feels like it is never ending. And the truth is that it isn't. The AIP will continue to deteriorate as time goes on.  I too suffer depression and anxiety which was only made worse by bc. Hope do I cope? I don't always. And when I don't I allow myself that. Sometimes I get so sick of bloody doctors, hospitals and tests that I just won't go for about a month. I just need a break from it all. I am currently on 41 tablets a day, so I make sure my prescriptions are all sorted so it doesn't matter if I don't go to the doctors for a month.  I try to plan something to look forward to. An outing with friends or a holiday or weekend away. I try to remind myself that there is always someone worse off and that we all are only given today. There's no guarantee for tomorrow, so I need to make the best of today. I would also highly recommend doing an oncology rehab. They take people at all stages of cancer and post cancer. It will help you to regain some of your confidence. I am  also having counselling which helps. 

    Its such a long and difficult road  and I think that sometimes it doesn't really hit you until it is over and you've had time to digest it all. The other health issues just compound it. Sorry for the long post but I think it helps to know that you aren't the only one. Hang in there and take care. Karen xox

  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Joh Joh,

    You've come so far and done to much to deal with your breast cancer treatment.  Facing another health issue on top?? Robyn has just given some excellent advice.  Have some one with you, Contact cancer council too.  I'm in the middle of treatment & just wanted to send good hugs your way & say you're not alone.  Coming on here is the best thing you can do.

    Take care

    Karen xx

  • HIT's avatar
    HIT
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hello

    I agree with Robyn, excellent advice.  I am in the same boat - since finishing treatment (chemo 1yr 2mths, herc 5 mths) I've had other health problems rear up, I don't feel well a lot of the time and you just feel that when you get in control of one thing, something else comes and kicks you in the gut.  The local GPs haven't been helpful, I feel they think I'm a hypochondriac.    I ate very healthily and exercised through the treatment, so why aren't I getting over all this.  Other people are, why not me!!!  

    So one day at a time, keep moving forward and we will get over this - and the cancer helpline people are wonderful.  Ring them

    Pam

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hello:):) I just want to say that you have done the BEST thing by posting this on here.I am sure that you will find others will be here shortly,who have experienced a similar thing.I feel that while we are going through treatment,we tend to cope pretty well,once it gets underway,but it's when treatment finishes,and especially if other health issues crop up,that things become very tiring.Lets face it,we have had our share of problems with BC alone,let alone other medical problems afterwards.My advice to you,is to go back to the doctor( and take someone with you) and ask for a new referral to see your oncologist.I also think that you need to ask some hard questions about the new medication,to your GP.Can you write down all the things that you are worrying about,and give this to your doctor? Another idea also,is to call the cancer council helpline,and they just might be able to put you on the right track in terms of where to go for help for your new diagnosis,and also for the stress that you are feeling.The number is 131120, and they are specially trained to offer emotional AND practical support.Please stay in touch.Cheers Robyn xox