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...
Hello everyone, I'm 2 years post diagnosis and just got my 2nd clear mammogram.
Life is almost back to normal, I have some niggling side effects from the medication, but nothing that really impacts my day to day life. I think the muscle aches are settling down. My dry eyes drive me nuts some days, and I probably own a share in Chemist Warehouse with all the eye drops I buy.
I have 1 year done on abemaciclib. The side effects are manageable, but I'm looking forward to the day I don't need to take it.
I've chosen to have my ovaries removed so I don't need the monthly injections, and a hysterectomy. I have prior non cancerous issues and I'm getting that sorted at the same time, just wait for an appointment.
I hope you are all ok and life is as close to normal as possible.
Katie
Thank you for the wonderful news Katie46 It’s good to get the annual update. I smiled when you mentioned dry eyes, mine are also Very dry and puffy especially if I am working (looking at a screen). I recently increased my workload, carefully as I realise my stamina has been affected, a little, but I enjoy the energy and satisfaction that comes with problem solving and being able to be productive in a work sense.
I am hormone receptor positive for oestrogen so on tablets, the Aromatase Inhibitor (Letrozole) - it’s a “presence” that I have to factor into the day, sore feet and ankles usually the side effects are worse at night. My hair has returned but I notice it’s now finer and with less coverage than previously (used to be ridiculously thick). My toenails are still a bit messy (did anyone get a fungal infection in their toenails?) and I have neuropathy in the feet and fingers. But it’s light years from where I was, so happy days.
It’s now 1.5 years on from the end of my “active” treatment (and nearly 3 years since I was diagnosed). Woot!
Hi Tri and Coastiejas, good to hear you are ok and getting back to normal.
I also have muscle aches from the medication, and regular stretching and keeping active helps a lot. I've noticed recently that it seems to have settled down and eased off a bit, so I'm hoping my body is adjusting to the rapid loss of oestrogen.
I had some peripheral neuropathy in my fingertips, and that is improving with time. My left hand is almost normal again, and my right is 90%, i have a slightly spongy feeling in my fingertips. Luckily it didn't affect my feet.
My hair has come back a bit more wavey/curly pretty much the same colour, and it's pretty thick. It did some alarming shedding a few months ago, but it's settled down again, so I think it's just settling into a shedding pattern again.
My eyebrows are back in good shape, but my eyelashes are a pitiful sight, they are so short and stubby I can hardly see them 😆 I'm hoping when I finish the abemaciclib they might improve a bit.
My toenails and fingernails are ok, but not as strong as they used to be. I keep my nails short and use nail strengthener, and get regular pedicures to keep my toenails in good shape.
Overall I'm feeling almost back to normal.
