Hello. I have recently received a high oncotype score and am now facing Chemo. I was looking at a 27 percent chance of recurrence with just tamoxifen but oncologist says chemo will reduce this by 10 to 15 percent which I do understand would put me back in the low bracket. I had been all prepped for radiotherapy and had even started tamoxifen. There was a light at the end of the tunnel that has now gone out.
Since getting this information I have become very depressed and feel like I am just living waiting for this thing to come back. I am terrified of starting the chemo.
Hi
Welcome to the forum.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, it’s just that the tunnel is slightly longer!
We do know how you feel. Many of us have been through chemo ( and rads) and come out the other side. Chemo is not as bad as you might think. It is very doable. You will get tired and unfortunately you will probably lose your hair. BUT it will give you the best possible chance going forward and your hair will grow back.
Once you get your head round it all, you will see that its all achievable.
When the time comes, join the monthly chemo threads so you can chat to others going through the same as you.
Best wishes and chin up.
Sue xx
Unjoya43
We are in the same situation! Sometimes I’m dreading chemo yet another side says it’s here to mend me so I strengthen up again.
It’s normal to feel how you do and as Sue has commented many people have said it’s not as bad as we think. Our minds do wander and it is certainly
is a rollercoaster for all of us yet when I see so many ladies come out on top it really does give me hope and determination to get better.
Please post again or there is a hotline you can ring. You are not alone.xxx
I don’t feel like I can do it. I live alone with my dog. I can’t get an infection and be admitted or anything like that. I live in middle of nowhere and I have to be able to fend for myself.
There will be support out there if you let your medical team know you are on your own, yeah I agree too less likely to catch something when you live alone no little people to give you dreaded bugs and things xx
Unjoya43
There are a few of us who live on our own and I understand how you are feeling if you have any problems but just make your BC team aware of this and also let your friends know, so maybe they can take in turns to pop.in to see you. I know you might not want to trouble others but you will be surprised at how supportive someone the least you expected can be. I opened up which is unusual and have had great support. You just need to speak to people so they know.
And when you need to speak to someone, come on here. There are some amazing ladies on here.
You are not alone! xxx
Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately I have moved from my hometown by over 250 miles. Family and friends are back there. My OH is here but we don’t live together and he doesn’t drive. This is a problem due to my rural location. I’m usually the driver. I haven’t been in the area I now live very long. I’m a bit stuck in terms of who to call on for actual physical help. I’m hoping I won’t need it.
How would you feel about OH staying with you while having treatment even for chemo week? I know everyone is different but maybe it well help you feel better, Im sure your med team will arrange for a local district nurse to visit you, also depending on your chemo you might get the filisgram injections to do which you can arrange for a nurse to do it for you daily, speak up though re you circumstances and they will put something in place for you, take it you cant sleep either!!
Unjoya43
The lack of sleep is normal as our mind wanders and we have a lot on our minds.
How about discussing with your OH and see if he can suggest something.
Although he doesn’t drive it would be good to have him close to you even if tou need to pick him up from the nearest transport?
My family live overseas so I need to rely on friends and neighbours. It’s about letting them know and you would be surprised at how much support they offer.xx
