1st Chemo taking its toll

Question

Well here I am. Obviously looking for support, encouragement anything really to help me get through this time. I am 45, wife, mum to 2 girls 9&amp;11 and worked a 9 day fortnight until now.

Since the 23rd of March 2014 i have begun my journey with a suspected benign lump. Followed with core biopsy, R lumpectomy and then a few weeks later R mastectomy with tissue expander. I have have just had my first round of chemo on Friday gone and have struggled physically and emotionally these past few days. Grade 3 oestrogen + herc - . 3 rounds of fec and 3 rounds of docetaxal. Then tamoxifen.
 
I have been reading some blogs and have found it helpful so thought I might start and hopefully gain some strength from my fellow comrades.

Regards
L

c_yeo · Answer

Hello Lynette
I too had mastectomy, same chemo as you and now just started my 25 sessions of radiation. Will probably be on femara for next 5 to 10 years.
One of the best advice I got early on was to leave the cares and worries and just take each step at a time. For me, there were some (few) not so good days at the beginning of the cycle and improves toward the end of the cycle. And just like Deanne, I walk almost every day though chemo and am intending on keeping it up through radiation. I intend to make it part of my routine now.
Rest well, keep a check on your temperature and plenty of fluids during this time. Take care, Cis.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

bearteggie · Answer

I too had the same chemo as you and took the advice of Deanne and Robyn and walked everyday.&nbsp; This really did help with fatigue and mood.&nbsp; I have just finished last Friday my 25 rounds of radiotherapy.&nbsp;&nbsp; I have walked everyday during this treatment also.
I can't believe that I am now finished all treatment and look back and wonder where the time went.&nbsp; The best advice I was given was to take it day by day.&nbsp; I think once the shock has worn off and I had done some grieving I eventually accepted my sitiuation and got about looking after myself guilt free.&nbsp;
It takes a while to settle down and go with the flow but the sooner you can the easier it all becomes.&nbsp; If you are having trouble emotionally I highly recomment talking with a counsellor or psychologist.&nbsp; We have enough to deal with without struggling with anxiety too.
Try to keep interested in your friends and what they are up too and also any hobbies you may have.&nbsp; Taking your mind off yourself for a while is like giving your brain a holiday.
This site is a wonderful place to talk about what you are going through.&nbsp; There is always someone here who can guide you in the right direction and by sharing your own experiences may encourage someone else.
Best wishes to you as you complete your chemo treatment&nbsp;- you can do it.
Love
Joy xx

bearteggie · Answer

I too had the same chemo as you and took the advice of Deanne and Robyn and walked everyday.&nbsp; This really did help with fatigue and mood.&nbsp; I have just finished last Friday my 25 rounds of radiotherapy.&nbsp;&nbsp; I have walked everyday during this treatment also.
I can't believe that I am now finished all treatment and look back and wonder where the time went.&nbsp; The best advice I was given was to take it day by day.&nbsp; I think once the shock has worn off and I had done some grieving I eventually accepted my sitiuation and got about looking after myself guilt free.&nbsp;
It takes a while to settle down and go with the flow but the sooner you can the easier it all becomes.&nbsp; If you are having trouble emotionally I highly recomment talking with a counsellor or psychologist.&nbsp; We have enough to deal with without struggling with anxiety too.
Try to keep interested in your friends and what they are up too and also any hobbies you may have.&nbsp; Taking your mind off yourself for a while is like giving your brain a holiday.
This site is a wonderful place to talk about what you are going through.&nbsp; There is always someone here who can guide you in the right direction and by sharing your own experiences may encourage someone else.
Best wishes to you as you complete your chemo treatment&nbsp;- you can do it.
Love
Joy xx

deanne · Answer

Congratulations on completing treatment! Hope you are feeling ok. It took a while for my skin to recover and to regain my energy after radio.

Wishing you all the best for your recovery. Take care and keep in touch. Deanne xxx

robyn_w · Answer

I was just thinking about you yesterday! How wonderful that u have finished your treatment. Take things slowly, and you will be back to your new normal before you know it! Well done:) xxxRobyn

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