Well my 1st actual chemo wasn’t too bad except that I ended up in emergency the day after & admitted for several days re a cellulitis infection & my heart enzymes were up ...... then I had a visit from a man from infectious diseases to tell me that I was exposed to a confirmed case of measles when I was in emergency. They couldn’t give me the booster shot as it is a live vaccine so they had to get an immune globulin? Injection sent to my hospital ....... I did finally go home but I should never have asked what else was the universe going to throw at me lol.Yep, I ended up back in emergency with cellulitis now on my arm ..... same arm that the IV drip was in ...... as well as blood clots in that arm.Hence my anxiety & apprehension re today’s chemo session. I am on blood thinners now but if my other arm gets clots, I’ll have no more arms to use ..... ahhhhh ...... I’m also worried about my heart as I don’t know if that was affected by the chemo or the cellulitis infection. My brain is in overdrive atm & won’t switch off.

Thanks & I will let you know how I go

Hi @Scaredycat. I hope things are going smoothly today.The only suggestion I have to manage your anxiety is to try to let go. Like so many things in life the only thing we can control is our reaction. Sometimes this works for me and sometimes it doesn't!Your body is going to do what it's going to do, and it's up to the doctors and nurses to manage it. Sit back and let them do it. It's not in your control.I heard an analogy I really liked yesterday. Your anxiety is a train. It pulls into the station requiring you to get on and go for that train ride. But you don't have to. You can sit on the platform and simply look at the train. Sit with the worries for a bit. Acknowledge that the train is here. And then send it on its way without boarding.I get terribly anxious so I'm giving this one a try myself. Big hug, K xox

Oops, I just saw ‘who’s online’ & I seem to be the only one. I should have checked that first. Lol

@Scaredycat I hope things go well for u this time. Each cycle can vary so much but u had a tough time last time. Will be thinking of u xoxo

Yay, someone is awake. Thank you Kiwi Angel. My anxiety is awful atm. I’m about to try sleeping again ...... I just did 4 sudoku puzzles to try to settle my brain .... they sometimes help lolI keep telling myself that they’ll be on top of things this time & I am now on blood thinners ....... but it’s always the unknown & ‘what if’. I think it was the 2nd infection & the clots that did my head in. I’ve had a clot in my lung many years ago .... it brought it all back. I never want to go through that ever again.

Anyone awake? 2nd chemo today & I can’t sleep re anxiety

EAA
Member
6 years ago
Hi scaredy-cat.. might be helpful to check with your nurse about how chemo works and when you’re most vulnerable. From memory, I think the drugs peak at about two weeks and then titre down before your next dose.. I was hyper cautious against getting infections when the drug was active and became more social in the couple of weeks before my next dose.. Fatigue became bigger for me and I committed to a not too long walk every day and hours rest in the pm.
i couldn’t eat much and am ever grateful for chooks and their eggs.
To help , I heard taking more protein was needed as well as plenty of water. Dark leafy greens are great. Avoid fats as the liver doesn’t like
working out the drugs. Towards the end of 6 months, fatigue increased where I gave up the walks .i had very supportive friends..
more like sports coaches who when I felt I couldn’t go on, picked me
up to reach the finishing line.... you’re on a hero’s journey as well..
your horse sounds beautiful.. He/She also is there for you.. with lots
of equine love and wisdom.. Go gently.. slow the pace.. all will be well.. xx
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
@Scaredycat Usually with many, but not all side effects. But definitely the fatigue. Try to be kind and gentle with yourself. It is what it is, and you are doing the best you can for a cancer free life. It's a shitty club to be a member of, but you're never alone. Big hug, K xox
Scaredycat
Member
6 years ago
Thank you EAA. I was unable to get onto my nurse today but I have left her a message to call me.
I was ok today but a bit weak in my legs, nausea & a bit of brain fog.
I’m assuming that the chemo side effects probably keep accumulating with each session? Re fatigue etc?
EAA
Member
6 years ago
Dear Scaredy-cat...thinking of you...thanks for voicing your
legitimate fears.. keep talking to your team of your concerns..
and have friends who safely hold you.. We are all with you..
surrounded by a sisterhood of hugs..
jennyss
Member
6 years ago
Yes, keeping a diary/record is a very helpful thing to do
Scaredycat
Member
6 years ago
That makes sense Blossom as I have no hearing nor balance in my right ear. I did pop down to the chemist & nurse. My blood pressure, temp etc are all good. I’m going to speak to my nurse tomorrow & run things past her.
I’ll also definitely start writing everything down as a record to refer back to.
Blossom1961
Member
6 years ago
@Scaredycat I ended up with vertigo after each chemo, which started off as being light headed. If you start falling into walls or feel like you are on a boat when you are laying down then it may be vertigo. I found it quite funny but the onco didn’t so I ended up on extra pills. Write down every thing that you feel and run it by your onco next appointment. I always had a huge list that I made her listen to.
Scaredycat
Member
6 years ago
You’ve all been through so much. It’s very good to here that things have gotten so much better for you Flaneuse. It’s encouraging.

This second round of chemo seemed better but I haven’t felt right today, it’s the 2nd day after FEC. I’ve had a bit of chest discomfort on & off, a little light headed & feeling a bit week. It’s better when I’m resting 🙄. I’m assuming that this can be normal in the immediate days after chemo? I think I just need rest? I’m trying to avoid being a pin cushion at ED though I could go get my blood pressure checked by a nurse at a chemist this evening for peace of mind. I also need to get a script filled this week so I could do that at the same time.
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
@Flaneuse #squadgoals!
Flaneuse
Member
6 years ago
@kmakm I can attest to the fact that being in one's sixties and seventies can be fantastic (WITHOUT Letrozole). <3