Scared & feeling down

Hi JohJoh,

If you have coped with both Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide you are doing amazingly well!! These are nasty drugs and you have to allow your body time to recover after each dose. I had a diagnosis of TNBC last October, underwent a bilateral mastectomy with immediate recontruction with implants, then had the chemo.  I had 3 rounds of FEC, was supposed to have 3 rounds of Docetaxel but was so sick after the first dose, that had to change to 6, weekly doses of Paclitaxel. I am now 3 months since my last dose and am starting to feel a bit stronger. I was so very healthy before I found the lump, that the onslaught of illness has been very hard to take, so I can empathise with the negativity and the grief over loss of your former self.

Take it as easy as you can while keeping up some semblance of normality so you don't feel completely derailed!! One step at a time and talk to the breast care nurse and your oncologist about your options.

You WILL come through this - time is your friend.

All the best,

Alison

Hi Johjoh.

It's not a journey any of us would choose except that life is so precious - although I know that is hard to remember when the body feels so sick.  Like all bad things in life, when it is over, it is hard to remember how bad it was as suddenly the world is bright again.  I struggled with my 3 weekly treatments too and seemed that every thing that could go wrong did.  I had to stay in hospital after every treatment on a drip for 2-3 days.  Staying in shared rooms I spent the nights talking, sharing and crying.  I have learnt so much from these brave women so when you feel you have to vent what you feel and what your going through, don't hold back.  We are all stronger for sharing.

warm regards, Corinna

Hi Jojoh,

Unfortunately side effects are common consequences of chemotherapy that affect individuals in different ways.  The answer is yes that highly elevated levels of potassium can be detremental to your health butyour medical team is looking out for your welfare just by monitoring your blood levels.  If these levels become significantly high then additional medication may be provided to you to decrease them. 

Talk to your oncologist about your concerns and make them aware that you expect to be informed of any health issues and respective consequences. Also, do some research, be informed yourself so that you're able to ask all the right questions and get the responses that will help you.

Chemotherapy does tend to knock you around as it specifically acts on destroying dividing cells and as a result, will also act on those which are 'normal' and not tumour cells.  Lysis of cells can increase potassium levels and these elevated levels happen to all of us.  It's just that everyone's kidneys function differently to excrete potassium when it becomes too high.

I believe it's a tough time for you.  I've just now got to some semblance of normality where I can return to work after being home for just on two years.  And yes, recurrence is something we all think about.  When it happens then you'll cross that bridge but for now, just stay focussed on getting through your therapy.  You can make yourself loopy just be worrying about so many things which haven't even affected you yet.

You've mentioned your chemotherapy as consisting of four sessions.  Is this to shrink the tumour prior to surgery (as the standard is 6)?  Is a double mastectomy your choice or the expected surgical route that your doctor(s) have suggested?

Take one step at a time.  We're all here to support you so you can vent as much as you want.

Kind regards,

Lilliana

Hi Jojoh,

Unfortunately side effects are common consequences of chemotherapy that affect individuals in different ways.  The answer is yes that highly elevated levels of potassium can be detremental to your health butyour medical team is looking out for your welfare just by monitoring your blood levels.  If these levels become significantly high then additional medication may be provided to you to decrease them. 

Talk to your oncologist about your concerns and make them aware that you expect to be informed of any health issues and respective consequences. Also, do some research, be informed yourself so that you're able to ask all the right questions and get the responses that will help you.

Chemotherapy does tend to knock you around as it specifically acts on destroying dividing cells and as a result, will also act on those which are 'normal' and not tumour cells.  Lysis of cells can increase potassium levels and these elevated levels happen to all of us.  It's just that everyone's kidneys function differently to excrete potassium when it becomes too high.

I believe it's a tough time for you.  I've just now got to some semblance of normality where I can return to work after being home for just on two years.  And yes, recurrence is something we all think about.  When it happens then you'll cross that bridge but for now, just stay focussed on getting through your therapy.  You can make yourself loopy just be worrying about so many things which haven't even affected you yet.

You've mentioned your chemotherapy as consisting of four sessions.  Is this to shrink the tumour prior to surgery (as the standard is 6)?  Is a double mastectomy your choice or the expected surgical route that your doctor(s) have suggested?

Take one step at a time.  We're all here to support you so you can vent as much as you want.

Kind regards,

Lilliana

Hi Johjoh

You are doing really well, Yes it can be worse after each dose of chemo but YOU only have one to go girl..... :D remember to pamper yourself with allowing your body to deal with the chemo onslaught. 

Yes each new day is another step on the chemo regime, taking you closer to finishing. I had a double Mastectomy with no reconstruction my choice. I am 12mths today from my last chemo and Life is becoming routine again. 

I Hope you have support around you and that you are getting time to sleep and recoup after each dose of chemo. 

I am sure others will say the same this path is not one any of us would chose but one we are put on. 

Take time to eat well. 

I began juicing while on chemo and it was the best choice for me. heaps of nutrients straight into my system via healthy juices and smoothies. 

You can always Private message if you want to chat more specifically. 

Hi Johjoh

You are doing really well, Yes it can be worse after each dose of chemo but YOU only have one to go girl..... :D remember to pamper yourself with allowing your body to deal with the chemo onslaught. 

Yes each new day is another step on the chemo regime, taking you closer to finishing. I had a double Mastectomy with no reconstruction my choice. I am 12mths today from my last chemo and Life is becoming routine again. 

I Hope you have support around you and that you are getting time to sleep and recoup after each dose of chemo. 

I am sure others will say the same this path is not one any of us would chose but one we are put on. 

Take time to eat well. 

I began juicing while on chemo and it was the best choice for me. heaps of nutrients straight into my system via healthy juices and smoothies. 

You can always Private message if you want to chat more specifically.