Forum Discussion

Tarma's avatar
Tarma
Member
2 years ago

Extreme weakness!

Ladies please tell me this won't last ,, im only a week into my first cycle and im struggling to be on my feet for more than a minute or two. Thursday I could barely lift my head to drink.
Is it the Docetaxel,  Cisplatin and Herceptin? 
My Oncologist must think im a super hero..
 

No nausea as yet, but mild belly pain and thank goodness for Gastro stop 😁 mild to ouchy bone pain and muscle aches,, and thismorning my toes are a bit tingly lol these I can handle, its the feeling of exhaustion after a trip from lounge to loo thats getting me down.. I'm  incapable of doing anything for myself.. 

I was not prepared for this!! 

I know you ladies won't look at this post as a winge, I just wanted to share my experience and possibly help other ladies who are about to start chemo.. 
I've been used to pushing through, mentally and physically for a long time (depression) im not a woman who let's small things get me down.. 
I didn't think chemo would be easy but OMG !! 

Please share with me if your struggling like me..
chemotherapy
Fatigue
herceptin
side-effects
  • Tarma's avatar
    Tarma
    Member
    2 years ago
    @Zoffiel @jennyss
    Thankyou so much for your replies..  Mini meltdown is now under control 😊😁

  • jennyss's avatar
    jennyss
    Member
    2 years ago
    Dear @Tarma, I second the suggestion to keep a diary of side effects - helps you to see any pattern, and helps when talking to medical staff.

    from jennyss in Western NSW
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    2 years ago
    Don't discount the emotional and psychological toll committing yourself to chemo can have. It's a big deal.

    When I get super stressed I present with the classic fight or flight responses--I either start climbing the walls and attacking everything that moves or retreat to bed and assume the foetal position.

    Everything you feel is real and valid. Try to view this as a very interesting personal experience which will pass. Keep plodding forward and you will eventually trudge out into some form of normality. Albeit with dodgy gut flora and wonky feet (in my case)

    It's all pretty shit, but it is our best chance of survival. Mxx
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    2 years ago
    Chemo affects people very differently and there seems to be no knowing how you will be. But symptoms may alleviate as your body adjusts. Watch out for the toe tingling, though. Peripheral neuropathy affects fingers and toes, starting with a tingling sensation. It may or may not worsen and it can linger past treatment. Let your oncologist know, and see if day oncology can provide ice for your feet to reduce the chance of damage. Vitamin B may possibly help too. Best wishes. 
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    2 years ago
    So sorry you are doing it tough, @Tarma - I hope you feel better with every passing day.  Keep a diary of your side effects ..... make sure you keep up your fluids (dehydration is a real threat) & eat what you feel like, when you feel like it ....

    Can you talk to your Breast Care nurse?  She may have tips to help?

    If you feel really crook - just call the ambos & let them know your treatment. xx.

    Good luck & all the best

  • Fufan's avatar
    Fufan
    Member
    2 years ago
    So sorry, @Tarma, I know it’s just awful.  I had something similar, but not until the end of four cycles of Docetaxel.  My onc had warned me to exercise, but I clearly didn’t do enough.  I know exercise feels impossible but I don’t know what else to suggest except Physiotherapy.  Some will come to your home.  Good luck.