Forum Discussion
Feeling fragile today
I'm now five days post surgery with a wide excision plus axillary clearance for a Triple negative cancer from a very small lump that I only found a few weeks ago. From my first GP visit on 10/2/16, to diagnosis on 18/2/16, to surgery on 23/2/16, it's all been a bit much to take in. I still have a drain in and whilst I've been advised to keep moving the arm as much as tolerable, it seems to be stiffening up more and more. I had a relatively good day yesterday & was able to go for a walk with one of my daughters (a far cry from my usual 6 days a week at the gym). Today, however, I'm dizzy, tired and sorer than I'd hope to be at this stage. Just wondering if this is normal. I will be seeing the oncologist on Tuesday, ready for the next stage of treatment, whatever that may be.
11 Replies
The risk of leukaemia is small and only on certain types of chemo. If you looked on the side affects listed on even anything as simple as Panadol you wouldn't take it. They do have to list all possible side affects but your doctors would be closely monitoring your blood tests during treatment to make sure anything nasty like leukaemia is not developing along the way.
Is the blood cancer related to the breast cancer? I've been told that there's a risk of developing leukaemia due to chemo.
Four years has been up and down , I think I'm more lay back , unfortunately for me I now have a rare blood cancer so I have that to deal with. I've recently left work to try and recoup, my bc is in remission so that's a positive. Usual aches and pains but I'm alive. Regards adean
Yes adean, I do feel like a truck has hit me at times! Today is a much better day. Especially with the reassurance from the breast care nurse. My they are wonderful people aren't they! Thanks for the support. How's things 4 years down the track?
Yes Brenda, it's been a bit overwhelming but I've just had a visit to the breast care nurse who has assured me it's all normal. Feeling much more on top of things today. Unfortunately, the drain stays in for a few more days, but I'm not dizzy now. Turns out I'm not triple negative, but HER2 instead. Will have to research that a bit more. They say Herceptin is doing wonders for this type of cancer. Now planning a radical short haircut before it all falls out when chemo starts!
I'm 4 years post bc and my diagnosis was like yours all so very quickly. I think it's the time when the realization hits that you actualy have cancer and don't forget general anesthetic is major, you would expect to feel drained physically and emotionally. Don't forget your arm exercises they are very important for the stiffness. I felt like a truck hit me for the first few weeks, remember you will be different after this , not exactly the same just a bit different version. Lol. Regards adean
I have heard the inside story on fast forwarding patients into treatment like yourself and the back lash can be the patient is left reeling with a ton of mental adjustment to manage and needs to be kept an eye on. Well done so far, you seem to be doing great. Hang in there but don't be afraid to call on your McGrath breast nurse or anyone in the oncology area ( social workers etc) who can be a sympathetic ear and a bit of a hand if it gets a bit to much.
You dizziness could be from low blood pressure. I naturally have low pressure all the time and am used to being a little light headed occasionally but if that's never you, you should ask your Dr to check it for you.
Thanks Tara, not used this weakness & restriction. Just feeling a bit sorry for myself I guess. Thanks for the support.
Thanks for the support, I know it's early days, more to look forward to!
Hi Kristye, sorry I don't have specific feedback but it sounds like you're doing the right thing, taking it one day at a time, right now. Your body AND mind are reeling & healing and that can be exhausting. Small regular movements will keep things loosened up, don't go too hard, plenty of time for that a little down the track. Best of luck with treatment scenarios. Xx
