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Keet's avatar
Keet
Member
10 years ago

Vent a little

Sorry all, but I need to get this off my chest. I've been trying to be so positive and everything with this, which I am but I've just hit a wall I think.. 

I'm 35 so it's been a bit of a mess around with my hormones and I feel I'm going crazy now lol.. First it was to increase them, then to decrease it to put me into menopause so the chemo doesn't ruin my ovaries.. I was dealing with everything really well where as now all I'm quite happy to do is quit my job where it's less pressure, yell, cry, throw things and then just sit in my corner and only be disturbed when I ask.. My work has been amazing and have offered me to take time off when needed, work from home, half days or whatever I need to do - which I would take but I still feel like I'm letting ppl down so continue on cause we have been busy.. 

This is my third chemo treatment, I am lucky and only have one more to go.. But do you get used to this or will it be a huge up and down for a while? 

I still have radiation to go as well  aS herceptin until next year, but the hormone therapy for another 5? Years.. 

I don't mind some of the menopausal symptoms I must admit, it's just the crazy self I can't stand. ??

  • Hi Keet, my work has been totally amazing too and I was glad that I had the opportunity to go to work when I was well enough between treatments.  I think work helped me keep a positive mindset.  I still work from home at least one day and I was diagnosed nearly one year ago.  I know I have not been as productive since treatment began and it will be a while before that occurs but I remain supported and I will e eternally grateful for that act of generosity.  Imagine how it would feel to be pushed out for something we have not choice over.

    If you need to take some time out then do that first before you resign.  Everything that is happening to you is so challenging and takes up so much energy so take a time out to concentrate on treatment and wellness.

    Menopause sucks to be polite and some of your feelings will be because of the changes you are going through on that front. My post treatment medication means I now have no estrogen so I am happy what I call a mini-pause because I have already been through the main event.  Menopause can effect your mental well being so perhaps you can discuss it with your gp or oncologist and I definitely recommend seeing a counsellor as they will be able to give you some guidance to help with the stresses you are facing. 

    I didn't do HRT to help and that is out of the question now.  Exercise is definitely good to help your symptoms for both treatment and menopause.  Caffeine and alcohol always bought on hot flushes so I limited or chose when I really wanted one or the other. I still dress in layers as that also helps.

    I wish you luck and keep venting as much as you need.  Maureen

  • Vent all you like. This is one of the few places you can where other people will know exactly where you are coming from. I had 8 chemo treatments before surgery and another 2 after then 25 radiation treatments. I worked through taking the days i needed after each chemo treatment (usually 3 or 4 days). Work were wonderful and i felt better going in. Yes it was busy...but sometimed you just have to accept the help offered and know that the work will still be there or others will cover for you. Try not to stress too much...but i know thats easier said than done sometimes. Cyber hugs Anne

  • Hi vent all you like it does help. first don't give up your job if they are will ing to work around you give it a try. I worked through treatment and found it was a releif to be thiking about something else. I did take alot of sickleave but my work place was great about it. If you try and it is too much then make a choice. No you don't get used to it ,I'm 18 months on and still feel the effects of treatment, It does get better one day at a time.. Tamoxifan ,I'm on for 10 years lots of hot flushes, they have settled a bit. Keep talking to your doctors they are the best people to guide you, no question is stupid. Be kind to yourself it is a tough trip. Take car and good luck with the rest of active treatmentxx

  • Hi Keet. Vent all you need to. This is a good safe place to do it. I'm coming up to 50 ( great 0 year birthday present to myself), so approaching the age of natural menopause, so that may be why I'm not getting so many symptoms yet. I'm halfway through pre surgery chemo. I will need hormone treatment afterwards, but can't have tamoxifen due to an a history of blood clots, so I don't know what they'll suggest if I'm not menopausal by the time I finish this more active phase of treatment

    Take advantage of your worplacce's support. If they are offering to let you work from home, do it!! Take some of the workplace pressure off. As I'm sure others will say, this a time in your life when it really has to " all about you". Anything that will make some parts of your life a little easier as you undergo treatment is a plus. The fact that your workplace has made this offer says to me that they are keen to keep you, and want to support you. 

    Take care, Lyn