Hi, I’ve recently been diagnosed with stage 1, grade 3, triple negative breast cancer. My therapy schedule is weekly treatment, chemo and immunotherapy. I am 48 and a single parent. I am feeling pretty rubbish and overwhelmed today, like it’s only just sinking in. I have been trying to carry on as usual but I’m already a bit worried about how tired I feel! I wondered if anyone else has felt like that in the early stages and if they feel it’s a combination of stress and affects of chemo? Thank you 
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Hi @woodstock77 
I was diagnosed with TNBC 2 years ago. I actually had my very first chemo/immuno on 14.08.2023. It’s strange but I celebrate every single milestone because when I was in your shoes 2 years ago, I couldn’t imagine even making it through the year, let alone getting through 2 years, and I can’t believe where the time has gone. I guess I just want to say, well done for getting through your first day, hopefully you’ll look back on this one day and think “what a crazy time in my life”.
Also yes, very normal to feel tired- as you say it will be a mix of being overwhelmed and stressed with the combo of the drugs - a whole lot is going on. I remember going straight to bed on my first day. Be gentle to yourself. If you find that the anxiety is too much to cope with, please call your BCN as they will be able to help you. Tiredness in general is very normal, I’ve seen people recommend a short journal of all your symptoms so you can start working out when you’ll have good days and not so good days. It helps planning! There’s also the monthly chemo thread on here so you can get in touch with other people doing chemo at the same time.
If you need a space to vent or need a bit of support/encouragement along the way- this is the best place! 
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Thank you so much for getting back to me, so reassuring and thank you for sharing your experience I really appreciate it as however many people I have around me, it is still quite a personal and lonely process isn’t it.
Tried to do a bit more today and wished I hadn’t!
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Yes I absolutely agree it can get very lonely if no one around you has gone through this themselves! This forum is lovely though it’s a safe space. If you have a local Maggies, I would highly recommend popping in when you feel ready to you’ll find your routine soon!
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Hey Woodstock77,
Honestly, what you’re feeling is super common in the first rounds. Chemo hits your body, but then there’s also all the mental load of suddenly being in this whirlwind you know, juggling treatments, parenting, and trying to “carry on as usual.” Fatigue isn’t just physical; it’s like your brain is running on half power too.
You might notice some days are worse than others some people even compare it to a weird hangover mixed with jet lag. Totally normal. One thing that helped me (and others I’ve chatted with) is keeping little energy pockets short walks, quick stretches, even a cup of tea while sitting in sunlight. Tiny things, but they sort of remind your body it’s still got some juice.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of sharing how you feel here it’s actually freeing. You know what? Even just venting or joking about the weird side effects can make a world of difference. Hang in there, you’re definitely not alone in feeling like this.
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Thank you, I will definitely look into Maggies, I haven’t heard of that! 
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Thank you so much I completely get the whole weird hangover/jet lag thing! I think I was a bit housebound for my first week after chemo but I am determined to try and make things as normal as possible for this week 
I’m keeping a diary of things to track how I’m feeling.
I went in for my weekly Paclitaxel yesterday and had a reaction to it, which was a bit scary! I’ve always had health anxiety so all of this is a real challenge 
Having to regularly take my temperature is even a challenge so I am being very strict with myself!
Thank you for getting back to me!
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