Stage 2, Triple Neg

AusEmbo77
AusEmbo77 Member Posts: 5 ✭
in Newly diagnosed
Late September I got my diagnosis at age 48–stage 2, metastic triple negative, and started chemo a couple weeks later. I’ve been doing well mentally until now when I’m so tired I can barely raise my head. I need to work and my job is wonderful and supportive but on these tired days I find it too easy to be bleak. This is a double whammy since I’m usually upbeat, dark but good humour. I think I’m struggling to accept that my body won’t work properly for a bit. Going to the bathroom feels like a workout. Anyone else have a bit late onset of these feelings of overwhelm?? 
I’m new to this group and just want to be surrounded with people who “get it”

Comments

  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 8,197 ✭
    So Sorry to see you joining us here, @AusEmbo77 ... welcome to the group xx. I hope we can help you with any query that you put up.

    We have a private group for those with BC Triple Negative that you may like to join .... there, you can discuss all BCTN issues in total privacy xx.   Jump on this link to join:
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/30-triple-negative-breast-cancer-tnbc

    I didn't do chemo personally, but my husband did & those 'tired days' are often just a part of it ... He used to put himself to bed for a couple of days til he felt 'better'.   I guess you'll have noticed a pattern by now ... great that your job is very supportive of you.  

    Feeling a tad overwhelmed is totally normal too - maybe you'd like to have a private chat with our Helpline on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) ... or better still, listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcasts on her own BC 'journey'.  She is a specialist BC Counsellor, who had a double mastectomy about 5 years ago.  She is VERY easy to listen to - and was quite surprised at her own reaction to the news (and treatments) of her BC diagnosis, as they were different from what she'd dealt with her patients prior to her own diagnosis!
    http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

    Take care, and wishing you all the best
  • AusEmbo77
    AusEmbo77 Member Posts: 5 ✭
    Thank you! I was surprised at how calm and grateful I have been but the fatigue is taking on a new flavour and decided to reach out to others and am glad I did.
  • Blossom1961
    Blossom1961 Member Posts: 2,517 ✭
    Your body is tired. Take every opportunity to rest. First it has to fight the cancer then we load it up with chemo toxins. I have more good days than bad but my energy levels have taken a massive hit and whilst I am alert my body has collapsed on a chair somewhere. Be kind to yourself. Sending big hugs
  • Tri
    Tri Member Posts: 223 ✭
    Hi @AusEmbo77 hearing about your fatigue really resonated, I am sorry you’re going through this ❤️🌸
    A month or two in I also found it hard to sustain energy through a full day, especially in the week 1 and 2 after each treatment. It was like jet lag without the fun visit to London or NYC!
    My oncologist suggested rehydration a week after each chemo and I feel it helped with brain fog. I also started taking hydralyte. 
    When I said I could not find the energy to walk to the post box someone recommended I start an oncology exercise physiotherapy program - luckily offered by the rehabilitation unit at my hospital. For me this was an important support at one of those low ebbs in the course of treatment- it really lifted my wellbeing and kept me in touch with my balance and strength. 
    If there’s a way of changing gears with the pace of your work or the full days or weeks it might give you the space to rest and/or the time to start a physio supported program … of course, work etc can be a complex balancing act. 
    I cut down to working a day a week and as a way of not thinking about being a patient I studied a single unit in a short course online.
    I remember it was soooo frustrating feeling like my wings were clipped (very humbling) - sending you lots of positive energy in solidarity 🌻🌻🌻 
  • AusEmbo77
    AusEmbo77 Member Posts: 5 ✭
    Thank you! My hospital just gave me some info about the rehabilitation program and I think I’ll check it out based on how it seems to help you and others. I have to work financially but they do allow me to rest/take what I need, so don’t feel
    so much pressure …if I win the lottery I’m outta there though haha. I haven’t heard of Hydralyte but will look into that, too. Thank you so much! And hope your journey continues smoothly and healthily!
  • Tri
    Tri Member Posts: 223 ✭
    Hi @AusEmbo77 good to know you can access a program near you.  I valued having some structured supervised exercises that helped maintain muscle mass and I had back up on the rare occasion that I felt unwell (heart or blood pressure). There was a small group of us and though our ages and cancer types were different I found their quirks, humour and positivity good for the soul. 
    For me the Hydralyte helped because I had no appetite and I occasionally had a bit of diarrhoea so getting a few salts and sugars seemed to even it up. 
    The good news is that I finished my active treatment in late April and had an all clear 12m check in July ☺️ so I am feeling grateful. Since then I’ve enjoyed just focusing on building stamina and strength. The human body is amazing the way it can bounce back. 🌸🌺🌻
  • AusEmbo77
    AusEmbo77 Member Posts: 5 ✭
    I LOVE hearing you’re doing so well! And appreciate the support just halfway there myself

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