I just had my 1st AC chemo treatment 5 days ago. I can feel the side effects of tiredness n dizziness. I constantly questioned myself how am I going to go through this treatment plan when I already start feeling deflated. My husband was worried about my health n fatigue that he himself questioning about having chemo treatment. It just so low morale on my family. I can't think of how to boost my hopes up to continue this journey. :(

Hi @Siewli I remember feeling this way as well when I started with AC last year. There were many times I didn't want to have the chemo and many times I didn't know how on earth I was ever going to get through it. I don't know how we do it but somehow we just do. You will surprise yourself at just how strong you are and how you just keep on going. You really do just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you keep getting up each day and keep turning up for treatment and you just keep going. I know it might not seem like it right now, but you will. I started having some counselling about two weeks after diagnosis which really helped me in the beginning too. If you find you are really struggling that might be a good option to explore. Sending you huge hugs Siewli xx

@Siewli Have you talked to anyone about your symptoms? It may be possible to alleviate them, it’s certainly worth trying. Do you have a breast care nurse? Or oncology nurses at your day treatment centre may be able to help too. You may also wish to talk toa counsellor, it can be helpful to talk to someone outside your immediate family/friend circle about how you are feeling. Cancer and treatment are not exactly morale building, most of us can do with a bit of help from someone experienced on the way. Take care.

@Afraser I did call up oncology dept to tell them about my symptoms and they mentioned it's the side effect so hopefully it will get better over the weekend. I guess we need counselling on the emotional impacts on our family members too. I guess my husband is feeling helpless seeing me in such state and he wants to make me feel better asap.

Hi @Siewli I have just started IV Chemo after years of taking treatment in tablet form. I too felt like you did after my first IV treatment. I wondered how on earth I would be able to put up with this treatment on an ongoing basis. I am now into my second cycle and it is getting a bit easier. I do sleep a lot and get some gastro type side effects as well. Hopefully your body will get a bit more used to the treatment and its effect will subside. Good luck xxx

@Siewli it's tough when theory meets reality and you end up having a miserable time.Hang in there for as long as you can, please. You have made a mental commitment, so, as a wise counsellor of mine suggested, treat it as being an interesting experience. Afterall, you are giving yourself the best chance of survival . Chemo is usually a shitfull experience, but there are degrees of horrible and sometimes even the strongest willed have to stop. Don't give up until you have to.BWT, you sat in the chair and accepted the cannula with all that entails. You are already a warrior. Mxx

Feeling sorry and horrible | BCNA Online Network

Siewli
Member
3 years ago
@Ausmum2 n @Keeping_positive1 Thanks for your words of encouragement. It means a lot to me. I will tick day by day just like what you did. Hugs!
Keeping_positiv
Member
3 years ago
@Siewli I also had AC chemo, and the first treatment was the worst on my body, it didn't know what hit it! I was in shock and wondered how I was going to get through all the treatment they told me I needed. I got through, and surprised myself how I pushed through for the 18 months of active treatment. I agree with @Ausmum2 take what drugs your team give you.

Wishing you all the best and hop onto the forum here whenever you need a listening ear and extra support. We all get it!
Ausmum2
Member
3 years ago
@Siewli just some words of encouragement for you also. You can do this. Just focus on one teeny tiny step at a time each day. I found all I had to expect or myself was “today”. If I only “expected and planned for today” it all just “went”.
And my only other words or encouragement “take all the side effect mitigation drugs anyone will give you, including your GP, whether you think you need them or not”. That also helped me.
Siewli
Member
3 years ago
@Cath62 thanks for your encouragement and response.
Cath62
Member
3 years ago
Keep going @Siewli, you got this. You got through the first session. You will find the rhythm of the cycles. Please see a counsellor. It is so important to get help through this and it really does help. It's a long road and even after treatment you may need that counselling. There is alot to process with bc. It can be hard on family members too as they can feel helpless. We have all been there and none of us got through without that counselling support. You are doing well. Every bit helps. Keep going. Sending best wishes to you 💐
jennyss
Member
3 years ago
Dear @Siewli,

from jennyss in Western NSW
Mazbeth
Member
3 years ago
@Siewli many of us can relate to how you are feeling and I agree with the tips that have been shared. I saw a psychologist at the start of my treatment as I just could not get my head straight - it is such a mind game as well as a physical challenge. I found that being able to speak openly with someone who did not have the emotional connection to me invaluable. I know the mental health system is stretched at the moment, and it may be difficult to get an appointment, but the cancer council also offers free services - I used them too and they were also excellent. Your family members can also use this service.

I also set up a calendar and I used a big red pen to mark off each treatment - simple, but it really helped me to see the progress. Try to only focus on one round at a time, don’t get ahead of yourself. You are going to find your own routine as you will start to know what your good days are and which days you may need to just lie on the couch.

On your better days, try to do something nice, something that makes you happy - sitting outside, going for a drive, anything at all. If you can, try to go for a walk - even on the days when you don’t feel like it - just a really gentle stroll. Definitely keep your treating team informed of your symptoms as they will be doing their best to keep you as comfortable as possible.

You are going to get through this - in fact, you are going to be amazed at just how strong you are. You are brave - never doubt that. You are also stronger than you believe. You can do this.
Siewli
Member
3 years ago
@Zoffiel @Lisa1407 Thanks for the encouragement and supports. They meant a lot to me. I will find strength from each of you to keep me going. Thank you!
Zoffiel
Member
3 years ago
@Siewli it's tough when theory meets reality and you end up having a miserable time.
Hang in there for as long as you can, please. You have made a mental commitment, so, as a wise counsellor of mine suggested, treat it as being an interesting experience. Afterall, you are giving yourself the best chance of survival .
Chemo is usually a shitfull experience, but there are degrees of horrible and sometimes even the strongest willed have to stop. Don't give up until you have to.

BWT, you sat in the chair and accepted the cannula with all that entails. You are already a warrior. Mxx
Lisa1407
Member
3 years ago
Hi @Siewli I have just started IV Chemo after years of taking treatment in tablet form. I too felt like you did after my first IV treatment. I wondered how on earth I would be able to put up with this treatment on an ongoing basis. I am now into my second cycle and it is getting a bit easier. I do sleep a lot and get some gastro type side effects as well. Hopefully your body will get a bit more used to the treatment and its effect will subside. Good luck xxx