Hi I don’t really know what I am asking here to be honest I have Tripple negative breast cancer grade 3 stage3b big lump with node positive and enlarged lymph nodes had my first chemo of EC last Thursday the 15 Jan thankfully I feel well after it no sickness or anything but my mood is really low and so scared for the future and the outcome. I’m currently taking serimel 50mg once a day I am signed off work now and find the day really long no real interest in doing housework I do go for a walk but I am keeping my distance because your immune system is low during chemo. Just feeling so overwhelmed by it all I think I was coping better before this have really supportive family and husband who can’t do enough for me. So sorry for the long rant. If there is anybody else in similar situation maybe could reach out.
Hi @carrie25 Hopefully there will be some other posts soon. Have you joined the January chemo starters thread.
I had chemo just over 2 years ago with Herceptin as I was also HER2+. I’m still due 2 Zometa bone infusions and 3 more years of hormone therapy. I always say chemo isn’t nice but it’s doable. If you think something doesn’t feel right then phone your helpline.
Having a walk every day if you can is really good for you physically and mentally. I tried but there were a few days I just couldn’t and I just had to accept that. Keeping away from others with a weakened immune system is sensible. I advocate for masks in busy places and it’s worked well for me. The days can sometimes be long but this treatment can be hard going, if you need to rest/ sleep then do so. Maybe allow the others around you to help so you don’t have to even think about the housework. Take this time to make yourself better.
This charity supply gifts to those having treatment. They ask for your treatment plan but it will be deleted once gift dispatched.
Lots of helpful sessions online or in person and you can get a bag of goodies on some courses.
Another great charity set up be a fellow bc survivor. I personally sent my unused wig, turbans and false eyelashes to be sent to a new home. I successfully cold capped on Paclitaxel.
And for anyone who is cold capping, lots of great advise by Paxman here.
I would recommend looking at previous months of the chemo starters, I found it helpful. I joined one month as I was told I’d have chemo first but then the plan changed to surgery first, so I joined when I actually started chemo, being on both threads was really helpful.
Take care and I’m sure there will be other replies soon.
Hi @carrie25, do join the Jan chemo thread group, the ladies going through treatment at the same time will be of great support and comfort to you.
I’m coming to the end of chemo now, but just to say EC is tough. The first 7 days are hard, by day 10 you will be feeling more normal, and then get about 10 days of normality. Let the family deal with household chores, prioritise yourself and self-care. I go for daily walks as much as I can, it really helps.
My Oncology nurse told me that the steroids and EC drugs do cause a bit of depression, so mood can be low. I suffered with bad insomnia during steroid days and low mood, and struggled to eat much. I wanted to stop treatment. But I just counted down to day 7, and feeling better. Its not easy by any means, but hang in there. Sending hugs x
Thanks for messaging me back I’m on EC every two weeks last Thursday was my first and next one will be next Thursday low mood is a big issue for me and got oral thrush yesterday in my mouth taking tablets for that now. Hope you are well. Will join that group. xx
No worries. Remember they can alter things later on to reduce any bad side effects. But I did feel that unless you end up in hospital, then it’s seen as mild side effects.
I suffered with ulcers. Rinsed with sodium bicarbonate solution each day which helped. The hospital gave me Deflam mouthwash, which is medicated. Also used Bonjela.
Gingin sweets help with nausea, and ginger biscuits, tea. I was eating cream crackers too which helped. Remember the low mood is partly the treatment & steroids.
I’m doing okay. Was meant to finished, but because my dose was reduced to help with side effects, I’ve decided to do a few more sessions to try and get the best benefit. But feeling a little that low that I haven’t finished as was looking forward to the end of this stage.
Yes, the monthly support group is an invaluable life line through all this xx
Loads of information on this forum and all new to me as I have just started and panic over everything keeping an eye on temperature at the moment as my throat is a little sore and hard to swallow due to the thrush. Glad you are doing ok and hopefully the sessions you have left will go by quickly for you. Thank you for your tips. xx
Thank you Carrie25, I’m hoping so too.
I completely understand understand how you are feeling, because I was the same. Do reach out to your oncology team, and other support services like Macmillan for help, advice, as well as this forum. You’re not alone in this. If symptoms persist, then do make your team aware, rather than waiting. Best wishes xx