Post chemo blues

Hi Kath, you have just described me ?? have also got one more AC and then start Taxol and Hereceptin - I can so relate to how you are feeling so here's to all of us in this boat just getting through each hour as it comes - gotta remember to be kind to ourselves xxx

Cheers

Karen

Thanks Laura..almost looking forward to it.

I had the exact same treatment as you. Yes the AC sucks and it does take its toll on you. After my last AC I ended up in hospital twice for infection and neutropenia. But I can tell you that the taxol is so much better. I'm have my last taxol treatment next week and the side effects have been nowhere near as bad. The fatigue is still there but a lot less than when I was on AC, I've even managed to start doing some exercise again. And because taxol doesn't really affect your neutrophils I haven't been in hospital since. Taxol will be much better I promise, well at least it was for me.

good luck

laura

Thankyou Jane. Yes small achievable goals are a great idea...I did this in the past when I had major depression (which feels completely diff to this....) I used to plan 3 small goals...like clean 1 shelf of the fridge. So I think I might do this again. I sorted out my clothes last cycle over a week (one shelf at a time), removing the small stuff as I am getting steadily larger. The reduced clutter has helped. Thanks for the reminder of a great tool.

Hiya

I had my third round of ac chemo 9 days ago, and I  feel exactly what you describe. I think the first few days are covered by the xtra meds, then the rest of the first week I tend to still feel "sick" and miserable, but by the second week I feel alert enough in my brain to want to do things, but am  a hostage to the tiredness in my body. If I get out, I can't t even stand in a queue for too long without feeling lightheaded. So I sit there thinking of the things I should be doing (surely everyone else can do this, why can't I, I'm a hopeless lump), and gradually spiral into a down time which can culminate in a day in bed being teary and morose, or worse.

I suppose we all need to find ways to get us through. And we don't have to get through the next six months, or the next year, or the next round. We just have to get through today.

I have found that if I can achieve a small job or task on those days, then I can mark that day as a success, rather than another lost day. And it can be really small (chuck out the old take away menus, tidy a desk drawer), and if you can sit or lie while you do it even better!

Of course it is always worth mentioning it to your treating team, and try not to hide it from your loved ones. Pretending can also be exhausting.

And good luck to us both for our last rounds of AC and on to Taxol!!! I'll be thinking of you

Jane

You don't need to suck it up at all!!!  but you may need to go up a strength.

Cheers Sue xx

Thanks Sue. On antidepressants already and lots of tears with duagnosis and surgery before chemo....I guess I think I should just be sucking it up by now. Hoping taxol is less taxing. 

Hi Kath,
My daughter was the same on Ac at first we put it down to finally she had a few break downs and is dealing with this shit (I cried lots when she was diagnosed she did not ) any way I told her onco this and it is totally NORMAL and depression/anxiety is also very NORMAL with this diagnosis the whirl wind you go through after diagnoses scans test etc then chemo aaaahhhh  I wanted to scream and cry  (well actually I did lol) and it wasn't me with the cancer diagnoses so you are are allowed to scream, yell ,swear and cry but if you cant cry it out please ask your doc for meds, the meds have helped my daughter immensely, It is a shit thing and a shit time dont feel bad for asking for help that is what the docs are there for.

 Nat is coping ssssooo much better on Taxol  its less nasty on her body. day three and four a bit tired but can function ok the rest of the days. 

Cheers Sue xxx

Hi Kath. I so hear you. I have just finished 4 rounds of EC. One good day and then down for about 5-7 days. The last 2 really knocked me. Feeling down and very miserable. As you say too tired to do anything. 

I too am hoping taxol will be some what kinder. 

?? good luck to us both 

Airlie x

So many ups and downs we all go through. I just finished 6 months of chemo, you think I would be thrilled but I'm too busy thinking about the next step.....Radiothreapy! 

For me my biggest help has been meditation. And as so many of the ladies will tell you 'take one day at a time'.  If you are up to a little walk do so, as it works wonders too. 

Hang in there and remember to put yourself first....you are number one. 

Anne-Marie ??