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Kwarb's avatar
Kwarb
Member
6 hours ago

What now??

Mastectomy in September, Chemo finshed 30th December.

Physically I am fine, but mentally after my appointment a fortnight ago (with oncologist) I'm a bit flat. She is very happy with all my test results, she says I look really good, healing well. She has suggested I go on yet another medication to combat the side effects of the original meds she put me on. It is a newish medication so they don't know the long term effects, although I need to do liver function tests every 3 months so it can't be good and it's expensive. (i think) They also have asked if I would consent to a genetic test just to see if there could be other reasons for cancer and if anything else could come up. I just feel like there is no end once you have cancer. You do surgery, then chemo, then on and on and on, it just never seems to end. 

You get treatment that knocks you around, but then you have to take more medication to repair what chemo has done.

On top of all this I had 2 kidney stones rear their ugly and painful heads.

I know that I have a great support network around me, but it just doesn't help the way i feel.

I'm so sick of people saying to me "You look really good" when I feel terrible, 

any recommendations in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne would be great of someone to see and talk to that maybe able to help

 

after treatments

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  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    5 hours ago

    Hi Kwarb​  - I am So sorry you are feeling a bit flat - this diagnosis really does muck with your head probably even more than your body. 

    Yeah, it sucks that you may need to take another med to combat the side effects of your treatment ... but if it takes the edge off your side effects, that may just make it a bit more easy to manage xx. Bummer about the kidney stones tho! They reckon it is more painful than childbirth! 

    Consider ringing the Helpline on Monday 1800n 500 258 ... sometimes it just helps to talk to someone about it.

    In the meantime, being the weekend - Check out Charlotte Tottman's podcasts on her own cancer story - she is a specialist cancer psychologist who was diagnosed herself with BC and had a double mastectomy, choosing to remain flat.   She 'thought' she knew what most of the 'procedure' would be - so was surprised when she had similar reactions to her own clients ... and she talks you thru it, what to expect.  She has done 2 'seasons' with lots of topics covered.  She is very easy to listen to & you can choose which ones to listen to:   What You Don't Know Until You Do ....
    http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

    Take care & all the best xx