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Cook65
Member
11 years ago

Radiotherapy

Hi all This is my first blog. I was diagnosed at the end of April with DCIS. I had a lumpectomy at the end of May and have had 4 chemo's so far. Chemo has been pretty awful resulting in the them changing my chemo so that I'm not as ill. I thought I was coping well until last week when I dropped my bundle completely. I don't want to do this anymore. I have 2 more chemos before I move onto radiotherapy. I'm feeling very anxious about this. I keep getting told if I think I'm tired now wait until radiotherapy. I'm still managing to work part time as we can't afford for me not to be bringing in some sort of income but am really struggling with fatigue and the other lovely side effects of chemo. Is it really going to be that bad? I would really appreciate some feed back from others who have been there done that. Thanks in advance. Karen

5 Replies

  • Thanks girls. Unfortunately Tonya we don't qualify for any assistance financially and as I have previous health issues, I couldn't get income protection. My medications bill was $300 a month to be able to function before the cancer, so goodness knows what it is now! I also find that work gives me a sense of normality that I need to be able to cope. It's when I'm home, alone and have time to think about this process that the doubts and fears rear their ugly heads. The baldness doesn't worry me. Apart from at work where I wear the wig as I think it is more professional, I just get around all natural. People stare sometimes but I don't care. I'm lucky I've got a good head for bald. Marg, I'm pleased that you think chemo is harder. If that's the case, I'll be right. I hate the meltdowns. I want to stay positive and I want to be proactive in getting through this as I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking but sometimes I just can't. It's almost like I'm kidding myself and my true feelings come to the surface. Maybe they are just part of the feelings, as well as the positive thoughts. It's so confusing at times. Thanks again xx
  • Thanks girls. Unfortunately Tonya we don't qualify for any assistance financially and as I have previous health issues, I couldn't get income protection. My medications bill was $300 a month to be able to function before the cancer, so goodness knows what it is now! I also find that work gives me a sense of normality that I need to be able to cope. It's when I'm home, alone and have time to think about this process that the doubts and fears rear their ugly heads. The baldness doesn't worry me. Apart from at work where I wear the wig as I think it is more professional, I just get around all natural. People stare sometimes but I don't care. I'm lucky I've got a good head for bald. Marg, I'm pleased that you think chemo is harder. If that's the case, I'll be right. I hate the meltdowns. I want to stay positive and I want to be proactive in getting through this as I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking but sometimes I just can't. It's almost like I'm kidding myself and my true feelings come to the surface. Maybe they are just part of the feelings, as well as the positive thoughts. It's so confusing at times. Thanks again xx
  • Thanks girls. Unfortunately Tonya we don't qualify for any assistance financially and as I have previous health issues, I couldn't get income protection. My medications bill was $300 a month to be able to function before the cancer, so goodness knows what it is now! I also find that work gives me a sense of normality that I need to be able to cope. It's when I'm home, alone and have time to think about this process that the doubts and fears rear their ugly heads. The baldness doesn't worry me. Apart from at work where I wear the wig as I think it is more professional, I just get around all natural. People stare sometimes but I don't care. I'm lucky I've got a good head for bald. Marg, I'm pleased that you think chemo is harder. If that's the case, I'll be right. I hate the meltdowns. I want to stay positive and I want to be proactive in getting through this as I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking but sometimes I just can't. It's almost like I'm kidding myself and my true feelings come to the surface. Maybe they are just part of the feelings, as well as the positive thoughts. It's so confusing at times. Thanks again xx
  • Welcome to this network and well done on your first blog - although,sorry you've had to join us.I've had breast cancer twice in the same breast(2003 and 2010)and have had ALL the treatments.We are all different and some ladies will breeze through treatments and some will suffer/struggle.However,I believe most ladies will say that chemo is the hardest.I found it dreadful and could not have worked.I was a big sook about being bald and kept my head covered for ages.I found the surgeries (lumpectomy,mastectomy) and radiotherapy easier to get through in comparison.I drove myself for the 6 weeks of radiation and only got tired about half way through.My boob was glowing like a hot plate but my skin never broke down or blistered.Karen,I really think it's a hard ask to work whilst having chemo.Do you have sick leave, long service or income protection insurance?You might even qualify for help from centre link?Be kind to yourself and rest- you are at the hardest part now and your health is the most important thing.It's normal to have regular meltdowns throughout this crap journey- trouble is,you never know when they are going to hit you.At times I would be so brave and then other times,cry at the smallest thing.Just got to go with the flow and you'll get through it all.Blog back here anytime for info and support or to vent your fears-I think it helps. Tonya xx
  • Welcome to this network and well done on your first blog - although,sorry you've had to join us.I've had breast cancer twice in the same breast(2003 and 2010)and have had ALL the treatments.We are all different and some ladies will breeze through treatments and some will suffer/struggle.However,I believe most ladies will say that chemo is the hardest.I found it dreadful and could not have worked.I was a big sook about being bald and kept my head covered for ages.I found the surgeries (lumpectomy,mastectomy) and radiotherapy easier to get through in comparison.I drove myself for the 6 weeks of radiation and only got tired about half way through.My boob was glowing like a hot plate but my skin never broke down or blistered.Karen,I really think it's a hard ask to work whilst having chemo.Do you have sick leave, long service or income protection insurance?You might even qualify for help from centre link?Be kind to yourself and rest- you are at the hardest part now and your health is the most important thing.It's normal to have regular meltdowns throughout this crap journey- trouble is,you never know when they are going to hit you.At times I would be so brave and then other times,cry at the smallest thing.Just got to go with the flow and you'll get through it all.Blog back here anytime for info and support or to vent your fears-I think it helps. Tonya xx