Chemo cancelled - Infection finally settling :)
Hey to all
Well it's been a couple weeks or so since I posted.
I found out 13 days ago, due to ongoing infection, that the window of chemo being beneficial has lessened.
The risks far outweighed the benefit. Was very happy to hear that as I felt after almost 10 weeks of post op infection, daily temps etc, that maybe chemo wasn't or shouldn't go ahead. It was great to see my oncologist on the same page as me. I had prayed about it and the decision was made.
At the time I went to post and was hit with such feelings of guilt and depression and overwhelmed, knowing that I had bypassed chemo and so many on here still had that road ahead of them. So I actually posted nothing. Was a strange time. I should of been celebrating, lol.
I've now been put on Tamoxifen, but haven't started it due to 10 days of migraines plus the infection hasn't quite gone.
I'm also concerned about taking it and not being well enough or having side effects etc, I know I have to, I guess I'm just delaying the inevitable that it needs to start. How did others go on this.
One really BIG concern for me is I get severe PMT, or better named as PMDD, pre menstrual disphoric disorder, where I struggle with severe anger, migraines, bloating, anxiety, erractic thoughts etc.
I currently take Vitex 1000, which is Angus Chaste Berry Extract. This keeps all the hormonal imbalances under control and I function well and cope good in those 10 days or so before period. Without this I don't feel good at all and struggle each month in a severe way.
Apparently this is a estrogen based supplement and as I am supposed to come off this. I'm waiting to hear from a pharmacist oncologist regarding what to do. Originally my oncologist said that when having chemo, some of the hormonal and regular periods would probably settle down and they would wean my off the Vitex.
Now I'm not having chemo, but regular periods so hence needing to continue with my vitamin supplements so I cope.
Does anyone know or has experience a reduction in periods or the pms sypmtoms once starting Tamoxifen.
I understand it can give you menapause sypmtoms, so does that mean it will stop my period, and would the menopause sypmtoms be easier to manage than the 10 days of crazy me at present without my vitex, lol.
Would appreciate any feedback on this as I'm really concerned about how I will cope coming off Vitex.
Maybe evening primrose oil or some other supplement might help me with my sypmtoms or maybe the Tamoxifin will stop the specific ones I have now, such as anger, anxiety, ocd thoughts etc.
I do understand that there are other symptoms associated with Tamoxifin. I just can't handle the ones I've just mentioned above, lol.
I've uploaded a photo I took tonight, one of my favourite spots to take pics:)
Cheers, Karen :)