Struggling with my mood
Saw my oncologist yesterday for the pre-chemo check-up. She started discussing Tamoxifen & Anastrozole with me. I've read up on them before and, while I know some people have no troubles with them, ot...
Forum Discussion
Hi @kmakm,
So many things of the things you are thinking and feeling were my thoughts and feelings too as I neared the end of chemo. It is so ‘normal’ for us to feel this way at that point. I particularly wondered if I would ever sleep well again!
But I have also read many of your posts and comments that tend to make me think you are going to come through this just fine too. @SoldierCrab has given you terrific advice and the meditation/relaxation resources are really worth a try.
I am five years down the track (well actually not until May, but almost) and I can definitely say it has not been 5 years of suffering. I have had a few hurdles along the way but I have learnt that I am pretty resilient. So far there has always been something that can help any of the problems I have had.
I had 2 years on Tamoxifen (very few side effects) and then my body decided to come out of chemo induced menopause and so I had my ovaries removed and switched to Femara (Letrozole).
Next hurdle was bone density plunging to osteoporosis level. I found a simple but very effective way around that too. I do a weightlifting program just twice a week and 12 months later my bone density is no longer osteoporotic.
I have had other issues along the way too but always there is something that can help. This network has been the best source of practical advice for most problems I have had. If nothing else then a good vent on here can sometimes help to make you feel better. We all have those moments.
One thing that I think I am so much better at (although I still need to work on it) is realising that I am not responsible for EVERYTHING. In fact letting others (especially children and partners) take over some of the responsibilities is good for them too. My daughter who had suffered from crippling anxiety all her life, grew so much when she felt needed and appreciated for her help.
You are at the the stage where it is so hard to know the way forward but just keep moving in that general direction and you will get through this. I had no clue what my future after bc would hold but it has been ok. There have even been some absolutely amazing bits that I could never have imagined. Keep going and trust that you will find the right way forward for you. Take care. Deanne xxx
So many things of the things you are thinking and feeling were my thoughts and feelings too as I neared the end of chemo. It is so ‘normal’ for us to feel this way at that point. I particularly wondered if I would ever sleep well again!
But I have also read many of your posts and comments that tend to make me think you are going to come through this just fine too. @SoldierCrab has given you terrific advice and the meditation/relaxation resources are really worth a try.
I am five years down the track (well actually not until May, but almost) and I can definitely say it has not been 5 years of suffering. I have had a few hurdles along the way but I have learnt that I am pretty resilient. So far there has always been something that can help any of the problems I have had.
I had 2 years on Tamoxifen (very few side effects) and then my body decided to come out of chemo induced menopause and so I had my ovaries removed and switched to Femara (Letrozole).
Next hurdle was bone density plunging to osteoporosis level. I found a simple but very effective way around that too. I do a weightlifting program just twice a week and 12 months later my bone density is no longer osteoporotic.
I have had other issues along the way too but always there is something that can help. This network has been the best source of practical advice for most problems I have had. If nothing else then a good vent on here can sometimes help to make you feel better. We all have those moments.
One thing that I think I am so much better at (although I still need to work on it) is realising that I am not responsible for EVERYTHING. In fact letting others (especially children and partners) take over some of the responsibilities is good for them too. My daughter who had suffered from crippling anxiety all her life, grew so much when she felt needed and appreciated for her help.
You are at the the stage where it is so hard to know the way forward but just keep moving in that general direction and you will get through this. I had no clue what my future after bc would hold but it has been ok. There have even been some absolutely amazing bits that I could never have imagined. Keep going and trust that you will find the right way forward for you. Take care. Deanne xxx