Chemo second time round - knocking me

That’s nice of you to say, @eddiek. I’ve been generally very well until this year, but the Caelyx is actually helping to get me active again, despite the fatigue. My mets are in my spine, rib and a couple of small ones in my liver, which we are trying to get rid of before they settle in! Unfortunately the oral chemo options haven’t worked for me - side effects required too much dosage adjustment, so I don’t have any option but to move onto IV drugs. I’m still working, but have reduced my hours a bit. Life is pretty much as it has always been, just with a few naps thrown in, and some support where I need it ( like housecleaning!). After my surgeries, though, I remember the fatigue felt endless, especially brain fatigue. My nutritionist has been an enormous help in managing side effects from the chemo this time around, so that is one allied health service I would highly recommend. Massage may also be a good support. I have also joined a small support group for women with Stage 4 BC, and this has helped me emotionally, with a safe space to talk and listen. Good luck with it all, and be extra kind to yourself. You can do this!

Hi Ella?  thank you for your response.  You sound an incredibly positive soul.  You are obviously going through some extremely hard times and yet you write like you do, amazing.  Can I ask where your BC has metastasised?  I have some lung nodules which are a little dubious but haven't changed in size so far so hoping.  Wish you well would love to talk to you some more if possible.  Much love.

I'm feeling for you, @eddiek. I'm on Caelyx very 4 weeks , for as long as it works and I can tolerate it. With my initial chemo in 2013,I knew it was just 8 rounds to endure- now it's endless and, after 2 rounds, I am already feeling the fatigue.Surgery really does take some time to recover from, physically and emotionally,so you have had a lot to deal with recently. It's not surprising that you are suffering this way. I agree with comments above - both to try your best to accommodate your fatigue and if it all gets too much, ask your onc to adjust the dosage or regime. Sometimes a simple tweak can make a big difference. There are also some supplements that can be helpful in combating fatigue and other side effects. Take care and I hope things improve for you soon.

Hi all cannot thank you enough for your supportive and informative responses :)  Really appreciated.

@eddiek
@Blossom1961
Heart goes out to you both.....never easy and second time round your emotions are heightened having had previous experience 
Strength to you both
Take care

@eddiek I hear you. My first bout was 2018 and I thought I was well prepared to face it again when I was diagnosed again this year.. I finished taxol in July and am still whacked. The side effects were certainly no easier and my body screamed  at me to give it up after only one round. I persevered and made it through sheer determination. (I may be a bit stubborn which helped).  I am now on a lifetime of targetted therapy and go into day ward for my infusion every three weeks. The day nurse informed me that I may always be tired due to the chemicals being pumped in. Not what I wanted to hear but all of my other side effects have either abated or eased. Rest up when you can and only do light duties when you have the energy. Leave the other stuff until treatment is over. I overdid it a couple times and paid the consequences. When I was finished I figured it was all worth it. Sending big hugs. XX 

The second time around is a tough gig @eddiek. My first diagnosis was 2006 and it all turned to shit again in 2016.

I've never been so miserable as I was the first couple of days after chemo V2. Part of it was knowing about all the dismal glitches that can stuff things up but I also think my body had had it's fill of nasty stuff pumped into my veins.

I made it through, though.Still here.

Cutting doses back or deferring treatments are options, but they are not optimal ones. Chemo regimes are designed to inflict the most possible damage on cancer cells without killing the host. It's nasty stuff, but probably gives us the best chance of survival.

Hang in there if you can. There is a reason you agreed to this in the first place. Big girl undies on until you can't stand it anymore. Mxx

Hi @eddiek, I agree with the comments above. I just wanted to say to you that you are very brave and you will get through this. Just the fact you have got through your surgery and your here reaching out shows how strong you are. You've got this. Best wishes 💐

Mum mother is going through TC chemo. Whilst medically debatable about delay between surgery and starting chemo I think it gave her more time to recover from the surgery so she wasn’t hit so hard by first cycle. I’m assuming they’re using steroids to help with your side effects, she did find a bit of a crash around day 4-5 post chemo as the steroids interfered with her sleep and then the pegfilgrastim injection triggered a few days of bone pain. They adjusted some of her meds for second cycle and that helped with side effects. She’s had third cycle now and is having increasing fatigue. Typically she’s had 7-10days before the next dose where the symptoms ease and she’s near normal, so hopefully that’ll be the same with you. It’s a lot and the surgery is a lot on the body alone, plus the emotional side. Do you have a breast care nurse or counselling option? The breast care nurse has been great with mum. Also, mum’s onc said she couldn’t withdraw from chemo at any time, even if they preferred she didn’t, but did tweak a few things along the way. 

Dear @eddiek,

from jennyss in Western NSW