Chemotherapy for breast cancer

[haggisdoodle]

Really struggling with chemotherapy for BC at the moment. I have had most of the side effects listed but can just about cope with them. What is really getting me down is the emotional side of things. I am either grumpy and irritable (like severe PMT!)or weepy or simply so exhausted that I don't care about anything at all. It's really hard on DS and DH and that makes me even worse. Has anyone been in the same boat? How did you get through it? Poor DH is a gem and really supportive yet I am either snapping his head off or keeping him at arms length because I can't bear the sympathy. Help, help, help - I don't want to be like this.

no advice I'm afraid but couldn't leave your thread unanswered. There are a few MNers who have been through or are going through treatment for breast cancer so hopefully numping this thread will attract attention and they can pop along with some advice.

Sorry to hear you're poorly and that CT os so shite for you.

DOn;t know if it helps but I several relatives who have finished CT last year. One is mega healthy (ages 50) and going on massive round the world trips... lving life etc. The other (my grandma) has a new lease of life and feel CT is way behind her now. Both have said the treatment was shit but worth it

pop over to the tamoxifen thread in general health- that's where we all hang out, loads of lovely ladies who know what you are going through and can try to help

Haggis I replied on your other thread, but have copied and pasted onto this one so its easier for you to read through your replies. And yes, please do come over to the Tamoxifen thread, as RWU says you'll be made very welcome.

Have you spoken to your oncologist about these feelings? I went through similar and was prescribed AD's - not saying you need these but anxiety is quite normal in this situation.

Also I found that the steroids you have for the first few days after chemo. definitely made me very irritable and grumpy, exactly as you describe keeping DH at arms length etc.

I'm sure your DH understands,it is very hard.
How far are you through your chemo? - I think you just have to try to focus on getting through each cycle, and pretty much mentally crossing them off the total.

You will get through it, but there's nothing wrong with feeling a bit pissed off with the world in general, and expressing that. You will get your old self back.

Good luck, and best wishes

I've been through it. I was grumpy and emotional too.

I struggled with it, saw a psychotherapist for a year from diagnosis (so all the way through chemo) and in the end had a bit of a melt down with my bc nurse, who was fantastic. It's bloody hard seeing the impact of your illness and treatment on your family. It's a really huge deal and you need to make time to come to terms with it and how it is affecting you and your family emotionally and practically.

Dh loves you and wants you well. He will stick with it. In a moment when you know you're feeling near normal, let him know you know you are behaving in ways that are difficult to live with. If he knows you know, I reckon that will help. And then you need to concentrate on being how you need to be to get through it. This is not a time to mask how you really feel.....

All the best with it. I'm 4 years out the other side and heading for discharge from oncology on 3 March. Can't bloody wait!

Whereabouts are you Haggisdoodle?

Can you find a reiki practitioner near you that will treat for free? Reiki is very good for aiding recovery and giving you a 'lift.' If you are near me, I will do it no problem for as long as you need, or recommend someone closer.

is there a Macmillan centre near you - some onc. depts have them in the hospital -they offer all kinds of treatments like reiki I believe. Am sorry you are feeling so horrid - as KurriKurri and RWU suggest,you are very welcome to come to the tamoxifen thread

If I was your DH I;d pout up with anything!!!

This is my second attempt at replying - not very good at this computer stuff I'm afraid so bear with me. First of all thank you so much for all of your kind and encouraging replies. I will definitely check out the Tamoxifen thread.
KurriKurri, I suspect that I do need ADs but am on so many tablets at the moment I'm reluctant to go for any more - will see how it goes.
Lalaa - so glad to har that you are almost there - hope you have a huge party lined up to celebrate!
I have been going to my local cancer support centre when I have felt well enough to get out. Tried Reiki there and found it helpful. I have a BC nurse and a Mcmillan nurse but sometimes find myself overwhelmed with it all, Don't find it easy to talk to folk so when they ask if I am OK I usually just say fine. I cringe to think about talking about my feelings to them - took me long enough to pluck up courage to post something here!
On a more positive note I did talk to DH last night and that helped. Also managed to get out into the garden for a short spell today and that always calms me. feeling much happier tonight!
Thank you all again for taking the time to reply.
Haggisdoodle

Nemofish I was going to contact you separately but can't do it. I am in Aberdeen- where are you? I had reiki at the CLAN centre. I hadn't had that before and didn't know what to expect but was surprised at how much of a lift it gave me.

when I said I'm in the north I meant Yorkshire! Heehee I guess that's the south from your point of view!

Your bc nurse and the Macmillan nurses are there to support you, don't feel that you have to put up a brave front for them. You are allowed bad days as well a good days.

I personally am a great believer in Reiki, it can help you get through and is thought to be effective in pain management too. Do ask the Clan centre if you can have some more if you feel this will work for you! If not, or there is an issue with cost. I am happy to do distance Reiki for you at an arranged time. You might feel however that you would prefer the 'full' package and have Reiki in person, on a massage bed, candles lit etc.

I know 'distance Reiki' sounds bonkers, but honestly (in my experience) it works.

Just to make it clear I do not operate as a business and would not charge for any service. I offer free treatments, I am a student and a learner as far as I am concerned, the people having treatments are helping me by furthering my experience and knowledge, that is payment enough.
Although once a neighbour gave me 2 home cooked cornish pasties after I did reiki on her neck injury

Let me know if you would like distance reiki and we can arrange something.

Hope things feel better for you soon.

Yup, it depends where you start from if you are defining North and South! Lived in Yorkshire for a year and absolutely loved it.
Love being up here too though - it is cold and quite grey for 6 months of the year but it is home and when the sun shines it is a fantastic place to be.

Thank you so much for the offer of reiki but I am popping down to the centre next week for some more. They are really good there - no charge for treatments but you can give a donation if you wish. Don't know how it works but, like accupuncture, it just does.

Feeling much better today - must be all the good wishes!

Excellent! Keep us posted with how you get on, remember you are never alone now you have mumsnet!