Forum Discussion
Struggling through Chemo
Hi all, My nurse has just introduced me to this group. I’m hoping to connect and share my story and hopefully somehow feel better. After being diagnosed and a short time later having a mastectomy a...
Hi Katie46
Great to hear your news! I also got my 2 year all clear today too!, WOO HOO!
I am pretty much back to normal also, whatever that is! I've been on ribociclib for about 9 months now. Also managing it but will be glad when I no longer have to take it. I get fatigue particularly in the 3rd week of my cycle (you have 3 weeks on and 1 off each month). I recently had a wonderful week break courtesy of the Otis Foundation.
Hope everyone is going well 🙏
Wow Coastiejas that’s absolutely fantastic news, congratulations on your 2-year all clear! 🎉 WOO HOO indeed! It’s so inspiring to hear you’re feeling pretty much back to normal (whatever that means for each person). That Otis Foundation break sounds like such a beautiful gift, I’m so glad you had that time to recharge and enjoy yourself. Thank you for sharing your update; it really brings hope and positivity to the group. Sending you lots of strength and good vibes as you continue on this journey. 🙏💜
Coastiejas Katie46 congrats on the 2 year mark and Tri on the 1.5 mark. It really seems like a long time ago, but then not. I transitioned off the Abema (due to side effects) to Ribociclib (more successfully). It is nice to know that there are similar experiences with fatigue for the ribo and body aches and pains for the letrozole. I will be heading back to work soon - how have you been going Katie46 and any others with stamina for work? This year I had ovaries and fallopian tubes out, went to the ALERT program at Macquarie University for Lymphoedema - was a very valuable experience and one I would recommend. On the whole life is good and I appreciate each day!🤩
Hi Paris_24
I found with return to work a gradual approach worked for me. I was still working from home whilst having treatment on and off, I went from a day or two a week to a 5 day fortnight then 7 day fortnight then 8 day fortnight to full time over a few months. I've been full time since May which was 1 year after I completed chemo (I had radiation after that). My advice is pace yourself and rest when you need to. Best cure for fatigue is exercise but sometimes you really need to rest too! Best wishes for your return to work.
Hi Paris_24 I went back to work full-time September last year. I had awful fatigue when I was on chemo, but seemed to bounce back from that pretty quickly. For a while I found myself having a power nap when I got home from work, but recently realised I hadn't done that for ages. I do get fatigue from time to time, but not that often these days.
I'm on a reduced dose of abemaciclib, the 150mg twice a day did not suit me at all, the side effects were awful, and I felt terrible. The reduction to 100mg twice a day improved things a lot, but my digestive system still isn't 100% happy, but it's manageable.
The fatigue seems worse on ribociclib.
I'm currently on Goserelin, and waiting to get my ovaries removed, did you notice any difference in the hot flushes and other menopause symptoms once your ovaries were gone?
Hi Katie46 appreciate your experience with return to work, sounds like it is a building up of your body to get into new habits/routines. I had too many side effects on the abema so made the switch it was almost instanteous change. The surgery was straightforward and unfortunately I didn't notice any difference in the hot flushes, menopause symptoms post ovaries removed. I did go on Veoza which helped however 8 months in am experiencing some breakthrough symptoms usually in the afternoon/evening a bit flushed in the face and feeling a little hot, nothing to what it was before though including no sweats. Good luck with your surgery
That’s fantasticCoastiejas - the fatigue you’re experiencing sounds unwelcome, all power to you …here’s to your continuing restoration, sending positive energy and vibes.
