Hello
feels a bit bizarre to be posting this but just want to be honest - had chemo (FEC)number 5 on Weds 16th and had OK physical reaction but really severe mood changes this time - found myself contemplating ‘pulling the plug’ this morning which is out of character and felt very frightening. As I am already on anti depressants I doubled up my dose to get me thro the day and have been fine from about an hour after taking the meds.
Have a complicated history - original BC dx in 1997, depressive episodes since 2003 and now second BC dx (June 09), with chemo, radioT to come, plus ongoing depressive symptoms and sudden menopause. I feel sometimes like i am in a vortex.
Am going to revisit GP this week (only discussed it on weds, prior to chemo)and discuss change to AD prescription - until then i can manage meds to make sure I’m OK. I am already seeing a psychologist and that is going OK. Can’t believe this has escalated like this - I am usually laid back,even though I have a long term issue with mood, have lots of insight and am rational. I feel as though I have been kicked in the head!
Has anyone else experienced this cocktail of symptoms?
any advice/support much appreciated
monica
Monica I haven’t experience but want to give you an e-hug - you’ve had a rough time and this is a crappy time of year to be unwell when everyone else is having such a groovy time - I’m sure your meds will get sorted.
Rhona xxx
Monica - {{{hugs}}} so sorry to hear that you are feeling so down…
I know i felt awful at points during my chemo last year… It sounds a good idea to be seeing your gp asap and see if you can adjust your meds…
We will definatly have to try and meet up again soon.
Take care
Theresa x
Monica Hi, Listen missus you have been through a fair bit and chemo has an effect on the chemical balances in your body, which in turn has an effect on you mentally too. What with BC/Treatment and this time of year ( which has its own stresses when we are feeling on top form) lordy you are bound to be feeling the effects. To quote you on another thread…be good to yourself hunni and give yourself some treats 
…and get to see your GP
love Rhian xx
Thanks so much all of you, for your support.
Feeling more or less ‘normal self’ today. I think the 2 strands you have referred to are so right - the chemical issue, we just don’t know what the combination of everything can do, and in the brain a small change can go a very long way…
as for christmas, yeah, its not a good time to be bald, with a red swollen face (Epi)bosoms gone south suddenly and waist disappeared (?menopause), water retention in fingers and legs, unable to control mad body temp fluctuations, lacking in energy, sex drive and sporting a PICC line which is obvious when wearing anything lower than a polo neck!!!
I talked it over with oh last night and we ended up laughing about it. I need to focus on the positives, and there are positives, but also allow myself not to have to be ‘up’ and ‘taking it in my stride’ all the time.
Anyway, a big thank you, like all of us, I’ll get thro this …
Monica xxx