I’m probably jumping gun here as in first chemo cycle so am newbie adjusting. I know some will be old hands and also others dealing with far worse than me. But it all feels a shock to system. I struggle for about two -three hours after waking up with my mood… Cos I feel so rough, and my body feels queasy and weird I find myself tearful and low. I am a cheerful person by nature but it’s a struggle. I always do have a bit of overwhelm on waking which I know how to manage.
Not really looking for advice precisely. Just a bit of me too. Didn’t realise how much I would need the ‘me too’ factor!! I don’t like to constantly say it to friends and family but here feels a safe space. No obligation to respond… I just wanted to put somewhere.
I did wonder if , aside from the inevitable and understandable psychological impact on mental health, chemo drugs might mess up your dopamine or something as well? Just a thought. The more I understand something the better I handle it.
Oh gosh Kara, it’s tough! First one down -well done!
Flip I know your not looking advice…though these things helped me… get a walk by the sea/nature, use my dottera oils; journaling; talk with a friend, sleep lots. Keep at the porky pear lollies/crackers and cheese. (If it’s EC).
How many have you to go? Have you got a friend to talk to? Keep being strong!
Am on my first EC out of 4… (Every two weeks if can tolerate)
Then Docetaxel for 4 cycles (every 3 weeks)
Then I know I have other drugs … can’t remember the name …one for three years, one of at least 5… Will look up names later. It’s all falling out of my brain
Hello. I’ve now come to the end of my 8 cycles of chemo (4x EC & 4 x Docetaxel). Well done for getting through the first one, that’s one ticked off your list! I found the first of each type were the hardest as it’s the first time your body has experienced it and also there’s a lot of unknowns.
I definitely noticed that it affected my mood. I felt quite low around day 6&7 on EC and around day 8&9 on docs. There were moments when I felt like it wouldn’t lift but of course it did and it was such a relief when I felt a bit better. I’m a fan of journaling, just getting thoughts on paper and out of your head seems to help.
Although chemo can be tough on the body I honestly think the mental strength it takes is the hardest. It’s a constant rollercoaster of emotions from one cycle to the next. But you will get through it! One foot in front of the other, be kind to yourself and feel your feelings whatever they may be and eventually you will out the other side best wishes for the rest of your treatment x
I’m on paclitaxel weekly and herceptin every three weeks and have definitely noticed that I get really weepy on days 5/6 after paclitaxel.
I’m also very similar to you in that if I can understand the why, it’s easier to manage (like with pmt, when once I realised it was pmt I could calm myself down and stop biting heads off!).
I don’t know the precise mechanisms for how it affects dopamine/serotonin etc. That chemo affects mood somehow at a chemical level would be a logical assumption, as it affects so many biological processes and systems.
Add the whole situation, the other side effects and it’s no surprise that we have times of low moods.
I’ve recently completed a mindfulness course offered by my health board for cancer patients and I have found it immensely helpful for dealing with some of the turmoil that the rollercoaster has created.
I also lean on the serenity prayer (am spiritual, not religious)
Grant me the courage to change the things I can,
The serenity to accept the things I can’t
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Hope there is something helpful in the above and in the replies of others (some wise words from others above already)
Finally, keep reaching out - I think the me too aspect is so important to many on this forum. We can say things on here that others will simply understand, and no-one is going to try and fix you etc. or negate what you are feeling. The best we can do is share what’s worked for us, signpost to helpful resources and send virtual hugs like this one headed your way right now xx
Ive completed four paclataxal and three ec last one on Thursday and I suffer with low mood on the morning and often don’t want to get out of bed and often don’t get up until late morning I am usually fine then I do take sertraline but I def think there is a no between this and the breast cancer I also think it’s linked to the chemo I never used to be like this before I’m hoping that after my last chemo on Thursday and my surgery it may improve xx
“Me too” - especially thinking it’s linked to nausea. I cant give advice as I am also in my first cycle but I am glad to hear others have said it gets better. Sending virtual hugs and we can get through this!
Hey Sam, yeah it’s soo tough. Good job for getting started! Did you get a wig yet? I got one with a fringe so the join bit is covered. I’m at end of 6. Keep going
best wishes for the rest of your treatment x
I am using cooling cap, knew I would loose some hair but it’s such a shock when it happens.